ABOUT ME
Martial Yapo is a contemporary French-African artist born in Normandy, France. From the beginning of his artistic journey, his work has explored African heritage, personal spirituality, and tradition, all connected to the wider story of the African diaspora.Trained as an architect, Yapo brings a unique perspective to his art. He blends street art, graffiti, tribal references, and contemporary African art. His work uses bold colors and mixed media such as acrylic, spray paint, collage, and oil paint to create layered and meaningful compositions.At the core of his practice is a balance between personal identity and collective history. He is inspired by and deeply committed to translating Adinkra symbols as a way of honoring his ancestors and elevating the level of creativity they deserve. Through his art, he seeks to act as a channel of excellence. Drawing from his multicultural background, Yapo creates work that speaks not only about himself, but also about a shared cultural experience.Beyond aesthetics, Yapo sees art as a tool for education and transmission. He believes visual art can bring forward forgotten stories of ancient African cultures and integrate them into the contemporary art world, helping to build understanding, reflection, and connection.Influenced by urban culture and his experiences as a child and young man in Ivory Coast, Yapo’s work reflects both his personal journey and the strength and beauty of the moments he has lived. His art acts as a bridge between past and present, tradition and modernity, artist and audience.
