The self-taught artist and designer Hamed Ouattara leads the Studio Hamed Ouattara, located in the lively capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou. Ouattara’s designs, born out of his reaction to the vibrant African environment where colorful oil barrels are discarded after use, transcend continental boundaries and have garnered high praise from top international gallerists.
Collectors around the world have purchased his work, which repurposes disused oil barrels into functional, artistic homeware products, such as collectible-edition dining tables or multi-use consoles, through handcrafted hammering and shaping. Ouattara’s minimalist philosophy results in unique pieces, nurtured by his own craftsmanship. Despite working in a country where constant power outages and equipment shortages are common, he leverages these challenges to his advantage. Hinges, nails, and tools required for each piece are made in his studio, ensuring that every detail is carefully considered and uniquely bespoke.
Hamed first displayed his work in Brussels in 1998 and has since exhibited across Europe and the United States. He is a vital member of Design Network Africa and has participated in its group exhibitions at Graphic Africa in London and GUILD in Cape Town. In 2014, he completed a residency at the Museum of Modern Art of Algiers and was the recipient of an African Design Award. Southern Guild Collectible Design Gallery of South Africa represents Hamed’s work, which was exhibited at Design Miami/Basel in 2015, cementing his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary African design and the exceptional quality of his work.
Through recycling, I’m able to offer a truly local, innovative response to waste products made from scarce resources in our region.
HAMED OUTTARA
Hamed believes that “art has a role to play in the development of Africa,” and his designs reflect this conviction. By reinterpreting traditional patterns and highlighting Burkina Faso’s artisanal metal-working heritage, he pays tribute to his cultural roots while addressing a modern global audience through African innovation.
