Ludovic Nkoth’s Body, Sport, and Politics in Milan Solo Show
Ludovic Nkoth, born in 1994 in Cameroon and currently residing in New York, is showcasing his inaugural solo exhibition at MASSIMODECARLO in Milan, located in Casa Corbellini-Wasserman. His latest paintings delve into the human form, drawing inspiration from sports while contemplating the life of an artist during times of global turmoil and personal reflection. Nkoth frequently bases his work on his own physicality, remarking, “If you focus too much on your success you end up hitting a wall.” His personal history shapes his art, portraying the Black experience with vivid colors and rich impasto. Key pieces include “Mapping the sea,” “Freedom and Justice,” and “Quiet Combat” (2025), which address themes of survival and vulnerability.
Key facts
- Ludovic Nkoth born 1994 in Cameroon, lives and works in New York
- First solo exhibition at MASSIMODECARLO Milan venue at Casa Corbellini-Wasserman
- New paintings explore human figure, body perception, physicality, psychological depth
- Frequent references to sport: boxing, fencing, dance
- Artist often uses his own body as starting point
- Works address Black experience, history, slavery
- Paintings use dense impasto and vibrant colors: blue, brown, red, yellow, orange
- Specific works mentioned: 'Mapping the sea', 'Tides', 'Freedom and Justice', 'Physical Proof', 'Quiet Combat', 'Entwined Mirror', 'Ovation of a Mirror', 'Kuti', 'Moving Mountains'
- 'Quiet Combat' depicts Elliot Barnes fencing in Los Angeles in late 1960s
- 'Physical Proof' (2025) shows contemporary dancers with reference to slavery
- References to Degas and Monet in 'Ovation of a Mirror' and 'Entwined Mirror'
Entities
Artists
- Ludovic Nkoth
- Elliot Barnes
- Edgar Degas
- Claude Monet
Institutions
- MASSIMODECARLO
- Casa Corbellini-Wasserman
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- New York
- United States
- Cameroon
- South Carolina
- Los Angeles