Hamed Ouattara (SHO): Recycling, Reinventing, Radiating
Who is Hamed Ouattara?
Born in 1971 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Hamed Ouattara is an internationally recognized artist, designer, and visual creator. Founder of the Studio Hamed Ouattara (SHO), he transforms discarded industrial materials—such as oil barrels and recycled metals—into functional art and contemporary furniture.
After initially studying accounting, fashion, and fine arts, Ouattara perfected his craft in France at the ENSCI (École Nationale Supérieure de Création Industrielle). He now bridges African traditions and global design innovation.
A Bold Aesthetic
- Recycling: repurposing barrels, cans, metal, and wood.
- Innovation: turning raw materials into modern furniture.
- Cultural roots: honoring African craftsmanship and spirituality.
His work embodies a sustainable, ecological, and local vision, where art meets responsibility.
Career & Exhibitions
- Began exhibiting in the 1990s in Ouagadougou, later expanding worldwide.
- Showcased in Brussels, Paris, Algiers, Miami, Casablanca, and beyond.
- Member of Design Network Africa (DNA), promoting contemporary African design.
- One of his emblematic creations is the "Semainier", a chest of seven drawers made from recycled barrels, blending durability, color, and storytelling.
Social Commitment
SHO is more than an artistic studio—it's also a social and educational initiative:
- Creates jobs for young artisans in Ouagadougou.
- Transmits craftsmanship skills to the next generation.
- Promotes circular economy practices in West Africa.
Through design, Ouattara demonstrates that local innovation can have global impact.
"Through recycling, I offer a local and innovative response to the waste issue, using resources that are rare in our region." — Hamed Ouattara
Why Discover SHO?
- Brings new life to industrial waste.
- Combines art, design, and functionality.
- Defends sustainable and local solutions.
- Makes Africa shine on the global stage.