Galerie Cécile Fakhoury

Opened in September 2012, Galerie Cécile Fakhoury's Cocody rooms are large, air-conditioned and hung museum-style, a deliberate contrast to the smaller, more informal art spaces elsewhere in Abidjan, and a visit typically means a slow walk through one or two current exhibitions of contemporary African and diaspora art. The gallery represents artists connected to the African continent and shows at international fairs, with painters such as Aboudia and Ouattara Watts among the names associated with the house, so the work on view tends toward established and mid-career contemporary practice rather than tourist-oriented craft. A visit takes 45 minutes to an hour, and staff are generally happy to talk about the work on show to visitors who come to look rather than to buy, which makes the gallery a good stop for anyone curious about Abidjan's contemporary art scene beyond the museum collections. Because the gallery now also runs spaces in Dakar and Paris, exhibitions sometimes travel between locations, so checking what is currently on view before visiting is worthwhile if a specific artist is of interest. Tuesday to Friday afternoons are the calmest and best time to talk with staff at length, while the gallery is closed Sunday and Monday entirely, which is worth planning around given how few days it is open in a week. The gallery is rarely crowded even during a well-attended exhibition, and photography of the artworks is generally permitted, though visitors should confirm with staff for any specific loaned pieces.