Joana Choumali’s art unfolds like a whispered meditation: layered, luminous, and deeply personal. Her works begin as photographs taken at dawn, capturing the quiet emergence of day in Abidjan and other cities. She then embroiders directly onto these images, adding layers of tulle, organza, and thread. This tactile process, which she likens to “automatic writing,” allows her to explore themes of memory, resilience, and the interplay between dreams and reality. Each stitch is a contemplative act, transforming fleeting moments into textured narratives that bridge the physical and spiritual realms.
Born in 1974 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, Choumali studied graphic arts in Casablanca, Morocco, before working as an art director in advertising. She later shifted her focus to photography, specializing in conceptual portraiture and mixed media. Her work often delves into cultural identity and the complexities of African traditions in contemporary contexts. Notably, her series “Hââbré, The Last Generation” documents the fading practice of facial scarification among the Burkinabé people in Côte d'Ivoire. In 2019, she became the first African recipient of the Prix Pictet for her series “Ça va aller,” which combines photography and embroidery to address collective trauma and healing. In May 2025, Choumali’s work was featured in the exhibition “La Terre n’a qu’un Soleil” at GALERIE FARAH FAKHRI, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This exhibition continued her exploration of layered narratives, showcasing her ability to weave personal and collective stories through her distinctive mixed-media approach.
In an interview with Global Voices, Choumali discusses the evolution of her artistic practice, the significance of her materials and techniques, and how her work serves as a conduit for introspection and dialogue.
