Ndayé Kouagou (1992) is an artist and performer based in Paris; his practice begins with text, which is expanded upon through performance, film, textiles, sculpture and installation. Kouagou manipulates the reduced language of aphorism and aesthetics on which the digital landscape of TikTok and Instagram is built, creating immersive environments that both confront and seduce the viewer. Using screens, plexiglass, resin and aluminium, Kouagou presents the viewer with elliptical statements and open-ended, existentially leading questions, simulating a meandering dialogue that borrows from the language of online influencers and self-help. Surface and depth, humour and sincerity, clarity and confusion are granted equivalent significance in Kouagou’s work as he playfully explores the forms and effects of mediated communication.
Gathering and Kouagou’s collaboration began with the exhibition of his 2023 video work A Change of Perspective in the group show Violins/Violence and continued with the gallery’s support of his commission for the Palais de Tokyo this year. In November 2024, Gathering will present a solo exhibition of Kouagou’s work.