Abdoulaye Konaté

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Abdoulaye Konaté is an artist who was born in Diré, Mali in 1953 and lives and works in Bamako, Mali. He is an artist of national fame whom is now making a mark on the international scene. Konaté studied painting in Bamako, Mali and then Havana, Cuba[1].

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[edit] Career

Konaté worked as a graphic designer at the Musee National in Bamako. He was appointed to be the Director of the Palais de la Culture. Now, he works as the Director of the Conservatoire of Arts & Media in Bamako. He and his work have received serveral awards including in 2002 the Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Mali and Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres de France.[2]

[edit] Influences

Combining his painting skills with installation work, he makes powerful commentaries on political and environmental affairs. The encroachment of the Sahel and the impact of AIDS on society and on individuals have been two major themes in his work. His questioning of the political, social and economic scenes in contemporary Mali is evident in how AIDS, wars, ecological issues, human rights, globalisation affects all aspects of life and individuals within society. Much of his large scale work is textile-based, a medium which is more readily available than paints.[3]

[edit] Artes Mundi

In 2008 Konaté was nominated for the Artes Mundi prize. His exhibition included pieces such as Les Marcheurs and Tafo ou la force du verbe.[4]

[edit] External Links

Universes in Universe - Abdoulaye Konaté. Africa Remix

[edit] References

  1. ^ BBC - Wales - Abdoulaye Konaté
  2. ^ - Arts@LSHTM: The Healers
  3. ^ Artes Mundi - Abdoulaye Konaté
  4. ^ Artes Mundi - Abdoulaye Konaté - Click thumbnails on the left for larger photos and artwork titles.