Zeus: Turning Trash into Art for Social Change

Originally from Saint-Louis, Senegal, Zeus, whose real name is Boye Amadou, is a self-taught artist dedicated to transforming waste into artistic treasures. For over 20 years, he has been giving new life to discarded objects in a practice that is both ecological and socially driven. His studio, L’or dure (a play on words meaning with “ordure”, meaning in French garbage or trash), reflects his philosophy of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Inspired by his uncle Macodou Kébé, renowned in Saint-Louis for his sculptures made from cans, Zeus builds on his family legacy while developing a distinctive style. His works, vibrant with color and often enriched with poetic or philosophical texts, delve into profound themes such as clandestine migration, women’s rights, and the plight of street children. By raising awareness about ecology through recycling workshops with talibés (street children), he passionately demonstrates that art, when combining message and aesthetics, can contribute to lasting social change.

What objects do you use in your artistic creations?

I collect a bit of everything: paint can lids, bicycle wheels, scraps of Wax fabric. I paint all of these with acrylics. I use many materials I find in the streets, giving them a second life.

Why do you feel the need to bring these objects back to life?

For me, it’s about protecting the environment. I’m a strong advocate for environmental preservation. I also involve street children, the talibés. Every Wednesday, I teach them the art of recycling in my studio. I raise their awareness about ecology and environmental protection.

Your style is colorful, and you add a lot of text to your paintings, as if the figures alone aren’t enough to convey your messages. Why is that?

That’s my signature style. I love including poems. I developed a passion for philosophy when I was in middle school. I read extensively and often went to the cinema. My texts are inspired by African literature, global novels, and authors like Senghor, Lamartine, and poets from around the world. Sometimes, visitors to my studio share poems or proverbs with me that I also incorporate into my work. Not all my canvases have text. It depends on how I’m feeling in the moment.

We’re in the middle of the Biennale. Can you tell us about your first participation in the OFF program?

I’ve participated twice in the Dakar Biennale. The first time was in 2020. It was a great success because I exhibited in the street. Many people came to see the exhibition. I had many encounters, and it was a big achievement. Exhibiting in the street gave me more visibility, and I was able to engage with passersby. The Biennale opened up opportunities and contacts for me because, six months later, I was able to exhibit in France. A gallerist who had come specifically for the Biennale really liked my work and decided to showcase it just six months after the event. The Biennale pushes me to work harder and to professionalize my craft.

What messages does your work convey?

I’ve observed that in Senegal and across Africa, we face three major issues. The first is the belief that Europe is an El Dorado. Thousands of young people take boats to Europe, thinking that life there will be perfect. I’ve addressed this in my paintings, where I’ve written Barça wala Barsakh (Barcelona or Death). The second issue is street children. These are kids who suffer, sleep in the streets, and are exploited by their marabouts (Quranic teachers). This is another theme I explore in my paintings. The third issue I tackle is the situation of women. I’m a strong feminist and want women to have more freedom.

These are quite strong themes. Do you believe art can make a difference in addressing these problems?

Art can change the world. That’s my conviction. I believe it has an impact. Many young people who pass by my studio ask me questions about the themes I address. I explain them, and they become more aware, for instance, about irregular migration. Some young people who were determined to take boats have changed their minds after I spoke to them.

DakArtNews