Sadikou Oukpedjo arrived in Israel in April 2018 to participate in the International Ceramics Symposium at the Umm al-Fahm Art Gallery, followed by a residency in Tel Aviv through Africa First. The collaboration, organized by Idit Toledano, curator of The African Studies Gallery, culminated in Palimpsest, a joint exhibition with Israeli artist Sharon Pazner that ran from July 2018 to January 2019.
Trained in the studio of Togolese artist Paul Ahi, Oukpedjo specialized in sculpture and drawing while exploring local artistic heritage. Over time, he expanded his practice beyond Togolese traditions, creating a universal exploration of the relationship between Nature and Humanity. His work often features hybrid human-animal figures that convey passion, struggle, and ambiguity, encouraging viewers to reflect and inquire rather than offering clear narratives or resolutions.
During the residency, Oukpedjo experimented with new techniques and forms, building on his ongoing exploration of hybrid motifs and unfinished compositions. His time in Israel fostered dialogue and exchange with fellow artist Sharon Pazner, whose contrasting methods and materials enabled both artists to expand their practices. The residency highlighted the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and cross-cultural learning in artistic development.
Oukpedjo’s residency and resulting exhibition at The African Studies Gallery demonstrated the power of artistic mentorship programs to inspire experimentation, reflection, and growth, offering emerging and established artists alike the space to challenge boundaries and explore new possibilities.
