ADER (Alemawo Dodji Elesessi René)
René is a self-taught sculptor and painter from Togo, West Africa. In 1998, he moved to Senegal, where he manages a gallery and workshop on the Island of Gorée.
René creates his sculptures from different types of wood, both local and exotic (e.g. ebony, teak, acacia, oak), from miniature to monumental in size! He uses traditional tools, patiently allowing the wood to 'speak' to him as he carves, revealing its true form and hidden message. Most of his works are abstract, depicting values such as peace, freedom and harmony, while others are more traditional. He has developed a unique style and technique in his painting, using natural materials and dyes, specialising in collages made from recycled materials and objects found on beaches, at home, etc.
René regularly facilitates creative art workshops for children and young adults in Senegal and in Europe, and has worked with children and educators in other countries in Africa, such as Togo, Ghana and Cameroun. As a former street child, he resonates and empathises with marginalised young people and feels that his mission in life is to use his artistic talents to help children of all walks of life to regain their dignity, happiness, creativity and sense of purpose in life.
INTERNATIONAL ART EXHIBITIONS
1998: The Gambia: Alliance Franco-gambienne
2000: Senegal: Gorée Island: 'Racine noire‘
2004: Senegal: UNESCO Regional Office for Education in Africa, Dakar London: 'What colour is black?‘
2005: Senegal: Belgian Embassy, Dakar
2006: Holland: Tilburg Festival
2007: Switzerland : Swiss Association for Living Values, Geneva
2008: France: Exhibition & children’s workshops, Nérac. Paris: Salon d'Automne international exhibition
2009: France: La Galerie des Tanneries: 'Infinitudes' , Nérac
2010 – 2011: France: Château de Lavardens - ‘Lumières’
2011: USA: International Conference on Multicultural Education, Chicago - ‘UBUNTU! The Spirit of Humanity’
2012: Italy: Chianciano International Art Award
2015: France: Joint exhibition of African Artists – “Wassa n’Africa “ Agen.
More: http://ader.blog4ever.com
1998: The Gambia: Alliance Franco-gambienne
2000: Senegal: Gorée Island: 'Racine noire‘
2004: Senegal: UNESCO Regional Office for Education in Africa, Dakar London: 'What colour is black?‘
2005: Senegal: Belgian Embassy, Dakar
2006: Holland: Tilburg Festival
2007: Switzerland : Swiss Association for Living Values, Geneva
2008: France: Exhibition & children’s workshops, Nérac. Paris: Salon d'Automne international exhibition
2009: France: La Galerie des Tanneries: 'Infinitudes' , Nérac
2010 – 2011: France: Château de Lavardens - ‘Lumières’
2011: USA: International Conference on Multicultural Education, Chicago - ‘UBUNTU! The Spirit of Humanity’
2012: Italy: Chianciano International Art Award
2015: France: Joint exhibition of African Artists – “Wassa n’Africa “ Agen.