Since its opening on October 10, 2024, Abdoulaye Konaté’s debut solo exhibition in the Middle East, Sambadio, has captivated audiences at Dubai’s Efie Gallery. With the exhibition set to run until January 6, 2025, there is still time to experience the masterful textile works of this pioneering Malian artist.
Abdoulaye Konaté, Image Courtesy of Efie Gallery
The centerpiece of the show is a monumental 9-meter textile piece inspired by Sambadio, the evocative track from Malian musician Ali Farka Touré’s 1976 album Le Jeune Chansonnier du Mali. This work celebrates the agrarian traditions of Mali, reflecting a father’s plea for his son to honor the earth. Konaté uses this theme to create a dialogue between the agricultural heritage of West Africa and the nomadic traditions of Bedouin culture, forging a powerful connection between African and Middle Eastern identities.
Konaté, born in 1953 in Mali, has transformed the medium of textiles into a sophisticated form of storytelling. His use of woven and dyed fabrics reflects the West African tradition of textiles as a mode of communication, while his abstract and figurative tableaux address pressing global issues such as environmental conservation and social justice. At the same time, his work remains deeply personal, drawing on his Malian heritage and life experiences.
Image Courtesy of Efie Gallery
Konaté’s art is housed in prestigious institutions such as the Tate Modern in London, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. His practice, which merges aesthetic innovation with cultural commentary, has earned him numerous accolades, including the Grand Prize at the Dakar Biennale and France’s Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
Efie Gallery, a Dubai-based hub for contemporary African art, has solidified its reputation as a global platform since its founding in 2021. Dedicated to representing African and diaspora artists, the gallery’s debut representation of Konaté underscores its commitment to promoting cross-cultural dialogue. Located in Dubai’s Al Quoz Creative Zone, Efie Gallery continues to play a pivotal role in showcasing the richness of African art to international audiences.
Image Courtesy of Efie Gallery
In addition to Sambadio, Efie Gallery participated in the Abu Dhabi Art Fair in November 2024, presenting works by Abdoulaye Konaté, El Anatsui, Dr. Mohamed Yousif, and Aïda Muluneh. This diverse roster highlights the gallery’s dedication to curating exhibitions that celebrate both established and emerging talents from Africa and beyond.
Konaté’s artistic practice extends beyond exhibitions. As the founder of the Conservatoire des Arts et Multimédia Balla Fasséké Kouyaté in Bamako, he has fostered an enduring legacy of mentorship and cultural preservation. His textiles, imbued with symbolism and cultural narratives, serve as a testament to the power of art as a medium for connection and understanding.
With only a few weeks left to visit Sambadio, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience Konaté’s transformative work in person. His art, which bridges continents and cultures, is a profound reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity.
Image Courtesy of Efie Gallery
Event Details:
- Exhibition: Sambadio: Abdoulaye Konaté
- Dates: Until January 6, 2025
- Location: Efie Gallery, Unit 2, Al Khayat Art Avenue, Al Quoz 1, Dubai
- Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11 am – 7 pm
For further information, visit Efie Gallery
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