The first solo exhibition in the UK of the late Malian photographer.
“No African artist has done more to enhance photography’s stature in the region, contribute to its history, enrich its image archive or increase our awareness of the textures and transformations of African culture in the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st than Malick Sidibé.”
Sidibé is celebrated for his black-and-white images chronicling the lives and culture of the Malian capital, Bamako, in the wake of the country’s independence in 1960.
The exhibition presented 45 original prints from the 1960s and 1970s based around the themes of: Tiep à Bamako / Nightlife in Bamako, Au Fleuve Niger / Beside the Niger River, Le Studio / The Studio.
Accompanying the photographs, a gallery soundtrack recreated the spirit and soul of the nightclubs Sidibé frequented every weekend and the party atmosphere of his own Studio Malick. Curated by DJ, presenter and African music expert Rita Ray, the soundtrack features an eclectic mix of music which would have accompanied Sidibé’s photoshoots, from British and American rock ‘n’ roll and pop songs to Malian roots music.
Curated by the Darkroom, an exclusive range of specially sourced handmade jewellery, textiles, homewares and fashion accessories, plus a selection of rare vinyl were available.
A selection of exclusive items including the exhibition catalogue and posters are also available at our new online shop.
