Promoting Arts: First Lady Dominique Ouattara receives Cecile Fakhoury and Painter Ouattara Watts

The First Lady, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, received Mrs. Cécile Fakhoury, Founder and Director of the Cecile Fakhoury Gallery, in audience on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at her offices in Cocody. She was accompanied by the internationally renowned painter Ouattara Watts.

This meeting took place as part of the exhibition currently dedicated to Ouattara Watts, an Ivorian artist of global stature. Born in Côte d’Ivoire and now based in the United States, he is presenting a series of works created in recent years in Abidjan, illustrating both the richness of his career and his attachment to his country of origin.

Following the meeting, Ms. Cécile Fakhoury expressed her gratitude to the First Lady for her ongoing commitment to culture. “The First Lady welcomed us in connection with Mr. Ouattara Watts’ exhibition at the Cecile Fakhoury Gallery. She did us the honor of receiving us, including myself, Cécile Fakhoury, Director and Founder of the gallery, and Ouattara Watts, the featured artist. Mr. Ouattara Watts is a world-renowned Ivorian artist. Born in Côte d’Ivoire, he now lives in the United States and is currently exhibiting at the gallery a series of works he has produced here in Abidjan over the past few years. It was in this context that she did us the honor of receiving us,” she stated.

The gallery owner also praised the First Lady’s active involvement in promoting cultural initiatives, particularly during Abidjan Art Week. “The First Lady provides tremendous support for culture, including during Abidjan Art Week. She wrote a message of support for this event and for all the artists and galleries. We thank her very warmly for supporting our cultural initiatives with such dedication,” she added.