Artist Ouattara Watts: A Night Owl Channeling the Cosmos Through Paint
In the heart of Bushwick, Brooklyn, the artistic process of Ouattara Watts unfolds under the quiet shroud of night. Dedicating the hours between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. to his work, Watts consolidates decades of creative evolution into each brushstroke, drawing upon his rich heritage and spiritual ties. What emerges from his studio is more than mere art—it’s a vivid tapestry steeped in mysticism, culture, and the exploration of the cosmos.
As I entered Watts’s studio, I was enveloped in an ambience that felt worlds apart from its industrial surroundings. The soft murmur of jazz played from his extensive CD collection set the tone for our conversation. While the walls displayed a vibrant array of his work, a sign stating “No Photos” served as a reminder of the sanctity he places on his creative space. Watts spoke with an enigmatic eloquence that ignited curiosity, often leading my thoughts into realms beyond straightforward discussion.
His paintings, characterized by a dance between figuration, abstraction, and collage, reflect deep African spiritual traditions and metaphysical concepts. For Watts, the key to vitality in his colors lies in a “magic potion” that he mixes—an embodiment of the mystical forces he perceives in his artistic journey. These elements resonate with biblical principles of creation and intentionality, inviting us to ponder the divine spark inherent in art. In Isaiah 64:8, it is written, “Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” This verse serves as a metaphor for the artist’s role in channeling a higher power through his or her work.
Currently, Watts’s solo exhibition is being showcased at Karma Gallery in New York and will run until December 21. The exhibit delves into his early works from the 1990s, a pivotal decade for his artistic journey. Simultaneously, the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, New Hampshire features his pieces alongside those of Jean-Michel Basquiat until February 23, 2025. This dual visibility illustrates a calling for a broader appreciation of Watts’s contributions to contemporary art, despite his historically low profile.
Watts, 67, is not just an artist of the canvas; he’s a custodian of a cosmic narrative woven through the spiritual practices of his upbringing in the Ivory Coast. With a lineage connected to shamanistic beliefs, he embodies a philosophy where art serves as a bridge between the tangible and the transcendent. “You cannot be an artist only for your tribe or your village,” he recalls his great-uncle saying, “You are an artist because the artist is connected to the cosmos.” This notion resonates deeply with the Christian understanding of community; while each individual has a role, the movement towards a greater purpose is universal.
Over the years, Watts has traveled extensively across Africa, infusing his works with diverse cultural influences that reflect the continent’s vastness. While his pieces often incorporate numbers and elements that might seem cryptic, they embody infinity—a nod to the interconnectedness that both artists and humanity share as creations of the divine. The idea that we are all "intercessors," as Watts puts it, beckons a reflection on our unique places in the grand design of life.
In today’s world, where artists often feel pressured to conform to contemporary trends, Watts remains true to his essence, allowing his work to evolve naturally. The recent works at Karma Gallery showcase a transition in his exploration of color and form, illustrating a journey of spiritual and artistic growth. Lorenzo Fusi, curator at the Currier Museum of Art, emphasizes the complexity and consistency of Watts’s work spanning five decades—an attribute that evokes admiration in both the art community and beyond.
As we contemplate Watts’s unique artistic voice, we are reminded of the importance of authenticity and spiritual introspection. Much like the parables spoken by Jesus, Watts communicates profound truths through his visually evocative canvases. “I go somewhere that I don’t control,” he shares, hinting at the divine inspiration that guides him.
As you reflect on Watts’s creative journey and the spiritual undercurrents present in his work, consider the importance of being an intercessor in your own life. How do you channel your purpose and gifts towards a greater good?
In closing, let this encouraging reminder resonate: you are uniquely crafted for a purpose that extends beyond your immediate circle. As Watts illustrates through his art, each person’s journey is part of a larger cosmic tapestry. Like the potter who shapes the clay, may we all embrace our roles in the creative process of life, contributing our unique colors to the world around us.
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