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Ivorian Painter Celebrates Africa’s Big, Beautiful Women

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An exhibition celebrating the ample figures of some African women has opened in Ivory Coast’s main city of Abidjan. “I wanted to fight the corner for so-called ‘big’ women who in their day were disliked and even imprisoned by the attitude that they weren’t beautiful,” Ivorian painter Augustin Kassi said at the opening.  “I took the stand to say: ‘No, you’re beautiful – that’s how God has created you. Take care with what you eat, do a little sport, and we love you.’ I love them,” Kassi told the BBC.

Artist Augustin Kassi in front of one of his large lady paintings - Abidjan, Ivory Coast, 3 May 2012

 Kassi’s instantly recognizable paintings have established his reputation as one of the country’s leading Ivorian contemporary artists, with fans around the world.

See more of Kassai’s work on the BBC.

 

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