Paul Ahyi

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Ahyi designed the flag of Togo.

Paul Ahyi (January 15, 1930 – January 4, 2010

Togolese artist, sculptor, architect, painter, interior designer and author. Ahyi is credited with designing of the flag of Togo.[1]

Ahyi was known for his massive outdoor artworks,

Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria and South Korea.[2]

He also created his pieces using a wide array of mediums including jewelry,

tapestries. He was also an interior designer who created household objects and art pieces.[2]

Biography

Paul Ahyi was born to

École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts[2] in Paris in 1959 and returned to Togo, which was called French Togoland
prior to independence.

Ahyi was commissioned to design the

forests and agriculture.[4] Ahyi added a white star, similar to the Liberian flag, representing light, intelligence and peace.[4]

He also contributed to another important Togolese national symbol, the Independence Monument which was constructed in the center of Lomé.[5]

Ahyi's reliefs and sculptures have been installed and displayed at the United Nations in New York City, as well as Canada, South Korea, West Africa, Italy, Japan, and Paris, France.[1][5] He taught art and architecture throughout Africa during his career.[4]

He authored several books, many focusing on the arts and his native Togo, including "Togo, mon cœur saigne" and "La réflexion sur l’art et la culture".[1]

Awards

Ahyi received numerous awards, honors and recognitions through his career. In 1961, he was bestowed the Médaille d’Or des Métiers d’Arts in Paris.

Ordre des Palmes Académiques in 1985 and an Officer of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, also in 1985.[1]

Ahyi was designated a

Koichiro Matsuura honored Ahyi for his "contribution to the promotion of UNESCO's ideals through his artistic activities."[2]

Death

Paul Ahyi died on Monday, January 4, 2010, in Lomé, at the age of 79.[1][6] Irina Bokova, the director-general of UNESCO, called Ahyi's death, "a great loss for Togo and Africa and also for UNESCO, which had appointed him as one of its advocates for peace and social cohesion."[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Director-General pays tribute to artist Paul Ahyi, UNESCO Artist for Peace". UNESCO. January 7, 2010. Archived from the original on January 12, 2015. Retrieved January 12, 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d "Paul Ahyi of Togo joins roster of UNESCO Artists for Peace". United Nations. September 11, 2009. Retrieved January 12, 2010.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Paul Ahyi Biography". Paul Ahyi official website. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  4. ^ a b c d e Agbetoho, Francis (January 8, 2010). "Paul Ahyi, le créateur du drapeau national togolais". UFC Togo. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  5. ^
    Angola Press Agency
    . January 6, 2010. Retrieved January 14, 2010.
  6. ^ Décès de Paul Ahyi, le Picasso africain (French) Le Telegramme

External links

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