Romilus

Romilus was born in Bouaflé, Côte d’Ivoire, where he lived until his teenage years. He currently lives and works in Abidjan.

Romilus began his artistic journey in the wake of the country’s 2011 post-electoral crisis, a time of conflict following the presidential runoff election of November 2010. He studied at the Regional Conservatory of Arts and Crafts (CRAMA) in Abengourou, before entering the Lycée d’Enseignement Artistique in Abidjan, where he earned his Baccalaureate in the Arts. He then continued his studies at the École des Beaux Arts, part of the Institut National Supérieur des Arts et de l’Action Culturelle (INSAAC) in Abidjan.

Between 2012 and 2017, Romilus refined his practice within the Carré Noir collective in Abidjan, gaining formative experience in the early years of his career.

Romilus’s art is deeply rooted in his African cultural heritage. He is known for using art as a platform to explore issues related to ancestral African traditions and spiritual identity, and how they align with modern beliefs. This interplay, or ‘push and pull’ of traditional customs and current practices lies at the heart of his work.

Adopting a distinctive technique, Romilus works with acrylic and glue to create pointillist-inspired artworks that are marked by vibrant colours and rich textures. This use of countless droplets and drips gives his work depth and vitality.

Romilus’s subjects vary from recognizable human figures to abstract forms reminiscent of African masks and additional symbolic elements. By juxtaposing these worlds, he examines the tension and harmony that exists between the past and present. Significantly, his use of a bright palette and the alignment of his symbolic motifs gives his work a sense of optimism, suggesting that there is room for spiritual and cultural heritage, and modern life to not only coexist, but also enrich one another. 

Romilus’s work recently featured in a solo show, titled ‘Le jardin de l’Inconscient’, at Walls House of Art, Abidjan (2024-2025), curated by Paul Ledron. 

He has also taken part in several group shows and art events, including: ‘Des Racines Aux Branches’, Abidjan Art Fair (2025); and ‘Shape of Abstraction’ [duo show with Fadia Attieh], Walls House of Art, Abidjan (2023).

Other projects include his ‘Rêve d’enfants’ series, showcased through the Cyg Project gallery, Abidjan (2024–2025).