Born in 1996 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Prohouly Eboua Joseph, known simply as PROHOULY, is an artist deeply rooted in his cultural heritage. Living and working in Abidjan, he centers his artistic practice on the representation of sacred “Godié” masks, positioning himself as a guardian and last representative of this rich tradition. His work serves as a poignant call to “return to the sources,” reviving ancestral entities and faces that have faded over time.
Prohouly breathes new life into these sacred symbols by blending the rustic forms of traditional masks with the originality and perspectives of the modern era. Drawing inspiration from his surroundings, he integrates themes, materials, and elements from his environment into his creations, forging a bridge between past and present. Through his art, Prohouly preserves and reimagines a vital piece of Ivorian culture, ensuring its legacy endures in a contemporary context.