In a significant cultural event, the renowned Malian artist Abdoulaye Konaté is set to make his solo exhibition debut in the Middle East at Dubai's Efie Gallery. The exhibition, titled "Sambadio," will run from October 10, 2024, to January 6, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the artist's international career and the gallery's commitment to showcasing African contemporary art.
Abdoulaye Konaté pictured in front of Source de lumière (Soleil) Motif d’Arabie sur Fond Ocre (2024)
Efie Gallery, known for its specialization in artists of African origin, has announced its representation of Konaté, solidifying its position as a bridge between African art and the Middle Eastern art scene. The exhibition will feature a new monumental 9-meter work, inspired by the final track of Malian musician Ali Farka Touré's iconic 1976 album "Le Jeune Chansonnier du Mali."
The title "Sambadio" pays homage to farmers, reflecting a father's impassioned plea for his son to honor the earth. In a similar vein, Konaté's latest works explore themes of Bedouin culture, drawing parallels between West African and Middle Eastern traditions. The artist's focus on the nomadic desert Arabs and their profound relationship with the land creates a fascinating cultural dialogue within the exhibition.
Born in Mali in 1953, Abdoulaye Konaté is celebrated for his large-scale textile-based installations.
Using woven and dyed clothes native to Mali, Konaté creates abstract and figurative tableaux that not only explore aesthetic language but also delve into diverse socio-political and environmental issues. His work is deeply rooted in the West African tradition of using textiles as a means of communication, balancing global concerns with intimate references to his own life and country.
Konaté's artistic journey began with studies in painting at Bamako's Institut National des Arts and later expanded into a multidisciplinary practice at the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana. His early works featured Malian cosmological symbols and fabric installations influenced by traditional clothes of Malian artists, singers, and hunter societies. Today, his art is found in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Tate Modern in London.
El Anatsui, Zulez, Scorched tropical hardwood and house paint, 301 cm x 148 cm, 2023
The "Sambadio" exhibition will be accompanied by a catalogue featuring contributions from notable figures in the art world. Simon Njami, an independent lecturer, curator, and art critic known for curating major exhibitions of African art and photography, lends his expertise. Ousseynou Wade, advisor to the Director General of the Museum of Black Civilizations and former organizer of the Dakar Biennale, also contributes. Professor Yacouba Konaté, an Ivorian curator, writer, and art critic, rounds out the impressive list of contributors.
In addition to his solo show, Konaté's work will be featured at Efie Gallery's debut at the Abu Dhabi Art Fair from November 20-24, 2024. The gallery's booth will showcase a new work by Konaté alongside pieces by other acclaimed artists, including El Anatsui, Dr. Mohamed Yousif, and Aïda Muluneh.
Since its inception in 2021 and the opening of its permanent space in 2022, Efie Gallery has been establishing itself as a global platform for significant African artists. The gallery's mission extends beyond exhibitions, operating a dynamic residency program that focuses on artist promotion, protection, and preservation.
The "Sambadio" exhibition and Efie Gallery's representation of Abdoulaye Konaté mark a significant step in the cultural exchange between Africa and the Middle East. It offers art enthusiasts and collectors in the region a unique opportunity to engage with the work of one of Africa's most celebrated contemporary artists.
Sambadio: Abdoulaye Konaté
Dates: October 10, 2024 - January 6, 2025
Location: Efie Gallery, Unit 2 Al Khayat Art Avenue, 19th Street – Al Quoz 1 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11am-7pm Private View: October 9, 2024, 6:30-9pm
Website: https://efiegallery.com/
Comments