Claude-Yannick Driatehe Guei

Artist statement : Claude-Yannick Driatehe Gueï delves into Surrealist explorations of ancestral myths and celestial beings. His work, featuring hybrid figures with elongated heads and traditional ethnic markings, uses acrylic paint and rose fabri...

Artist statement : Claude-Yannick Driatehe Gueï delves into Surrealist explorations of ancestral myths and celestial beings. His work, featuring hybrid figures with elongated heads and traditional ethnic markings, uses acrylic paint and rose fabric petals to evoke cosmic wonder and cultural identity. Inspired by the belief that his forebears originated from the celestial realm, he embarks on a creative journey intertwining indigenous narratives with the notion of extraterrestrial existence. Through a palette dominated by black, purple, and subtle hints of blue, he evokes the vast expanse of the universe, while gold hues symbolise wealth and authority. The delicate rose fabric petals add a touch of softness and elegance to his compositions. CV& Bio: Biography: Claude-Yannick Driatehe Guei also known as Pitcho, is an Ivorian emerging artist currently based in Accra, Ghana. He is a multidiciplinary artist born in Abidjan Ivory Coast and, who evolves in the artistic movement of surrealism. Pitcho’s work primarily focuses on two myths one concerning his culture and the another about the extraterrestrials. He aims to combine these different subjects in other to create a transcendent body of work. Selected exhibitions: -Nubuke Foundation Center for Textile and Clay: solo residency exhibition. (2024) -Chinwe Russell gallery Doncaster X Liveauctioneers: “Living artist auction”, group show. (2024) -Museum of science and technology Accra: “Homecoming exhibition” A group show featuring renowned African artists. (2023) -The Holy Art gallery London: “Deconstruction” A group show featuring international artists. (2023) -Polo Beach Club Accra: “Voyage privé” A group exhibition. (2023) -Theia House Accra: “Montmartre exhibition” A group exhibition. (2023) Residency: Nubuke Foundation Center for Textile and Clay in Wa Ghana (2024)