INSPIRATION

Pinasses are traditional boats used mainly in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in Abidjan, for transporting people and goods. Made of wood, these boats are ingeniously crafted and especially suited for navigating waterways such as lagoons, rivers, and canals. In Abidjan, pinasses play a key role in urban mobility, especially for crossing the Ébrié Lagoon and connecting the city’s various districts, often in areas where land-based infrastructure is inadequate.

In addition to carrying passengers, pinnaces are also used to transport commercial goods, particularly in coastal areas. Their use dates back several decades and remains a popular means of transport, despite the modernization of the city’s infrastructure. They are commonly used for short journeys, particularly in areas like Plateau, Treichville, and Cocody, where roads can be congested or difficult to navigate.

In this piece, the painter wanted to highlight the cultural importance of pinnaces and show how they contribute to society, not only as a means of transportation but also as an integral part of the community’s way of life.