Ivorian Artist Joana Choumali: Exploring Trauma Through Mixed Media and Embroidery

Joana Choumali, a visual artist and photographer born in 1974 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, has carved a distinctive niche in the world of contemporary African art with her evocative works that blend photography with mixed media and embroidery. Her artistic journey began with a childhood fascination for photography, sparked by the meticulous process of capturing a family portrait in a local studio. This early exposure laid the foundation for her lifelong exploration of the medium’s expressive potential and its ability to capture the nuanced transitions of African societies.

Choumali’s initial focus on documentary photography reflected her deep-seated interest in portraying Africa’s complex interplay between tradition and modernity. Her series capturing dawn across diverse African cities such as Abidjan, Accra, Casablanca, and Dakar not only showcases the continent’s urban landscapes but also symbolizes moments of magical transition—a theme recurrent in her work. Particularly poignant is her series “Haabre: The Last Generation,” documenting the fading tradition of facial scarification among the Burkinabe in Abidjan, illustrating her keen eye for preserving cultural heritage amid evolving societal norms.

“My work helps me understand life better and understand myself. It allows me to heal and grow as a human being, and to connect with others without having to talk,” explains Joana Choumali. The Ivorian photographic-textile artist depicts life in African cities with embroidery, creating dreamlike scenes that allow her work to comment on mental health, trauma, and hope through a comforting guise.

However, Choumali’s artistic evolution took a significant turn following a traumatic event—the 2016 terror attacks in Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire. This tragic incident profoundly impacted her perspective, prompting a shift towards incorporating embroidery into her photographic compositions. This unique approach, where intricate stitches and textiles intertwine with captured images, imbues her work with a surreal and introspective quality. Each piece becomes a canvas where themes of resilience, healing, and collective memory intertwine, reflecting not only personal introspection but also broader societal narratives.

iPhone photographs printed on cotton canvas, all unique pieces24cmx24cm, hand embroidered with cotton, lurex and wool thread. 

“The pictures were shot with my iphone, 3 weeks after the terrorrist attacks I chose to use my iphone instead of my DSLR camera to capture people discreetly.  They don’ t know that they are photographed, so their attitude is natural. I took the pictures as if i was doing a scan of the city.”

In 2019, Joana Choumali achieved international acclaim as the first African laureate of the prestigious Prix Pictet, awarded for her series “Ça Va Aller.” This collection further underscores her ability to blend artistry with social commentary, addressing themes of trauma, hope, and mental health within the African context. Her artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the power of visual storytelling to bridge cultural divides and evoke empathy.

Beyond her artistic achievements, Choumali remains committed to exploring and amplifying the voices of her community through her creative endeavors. She views photography not merely as a means of documentation but as a profound tool for initiating conversations and fostering connections across diverse cultural landscapes. Her work continues to inspire audiences globally, offering a nuanced portrayal of Africa that challenges stereotypes and celebrates its rich cultural tapestry.

Joana Choumali’s journey from documentary photography to mixed media experimentation with embroidery is a testament to her unwavering dedication to artistic innovation and cultural preservation. Through her lens, she invites viewers to engage with the complexities of contemporary African identity, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the interplay between tradition, modernity, and human resilience.

“I am fascinated by the morphing of societies. I observe the interactions between communities, cultures, and continents. I like to discover and explore my culture through a story that is uncommon. I want people to feel something about the images I produce, whether it is negative or positive. I aim to show certain nuances of our cultures, by showing today’s Africa from angles that seem so ordinary to us here, yet we overlook or forget them. Although these aspects translate the continent’s social and cultural mutations very precisely, and I can extend it to the whole world. In that sense, photography can be a tool to open conversations and create a deep connection between human beings.”