Francis Allokpon

Francis Allokpon comes from Covè in Benin and is a sculptor of contemporary Guèlèdè masks. In 2019, he began a three-year apprenticeship in wood carving in Covè, where he learned both traditional and modern techniques. Since 2022, he has been working as an independent artist in his own studio in Ouidah. In 2023, he presented his work for the first time as part of a group exhibition at the Lait de Rien gallery in Ouidah.

His art focuses on the connection between African cultural heritage and contemporary design. His work draws on the tradition of Guèlèdè masks and develops it further through his own modern formal language.

Between tradition and the present

Francis Allokpon works with wood as if it were a story waiting to be discovered. For him, the focus is on the dialogue between material, hand, and history. In doing so, he combines the artisanal knowledge from his training with his own contemporary design language.

His works are influenced by the tradition of Guèlèdè masks and are at the same time an expression of his personal artistic development. By carving the wood, he creates individual forms in which cultural heritage and modern design converge.

With his works, Francis Allokpon aims to breathe new life into the wood, make the craftsmanship of Benin visible, and create unique pieces that preserve tradition while bringing it into the present.

Selected Works


Discover a selection of works by Francis Allokpon. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted, blending the tradition of Guèlèdè masks with his own contemporary visual language.