Malick Sidibé
1936–2016 · Mali
The gestures of a generation in motion.
The story
Based in Bamako, Malick Sidibé worked in the studio and followed the leisure activities of Malian youth. Dance parties, outings by the river and portraits preserve memories of the changes accompanying independence. Sitters chose clothes, poses and props to present themselves to the camera. The international circulation of his work reveals more than an archive of celebrations: a society engaged in creating its own images.
Understanding the work
Compare studio poses with bodies moving at parties. Clothes, records and gestures suggest personal and collective aspirations; people actively take part in representing their era.
Key works and series
Bamako parties; portraits from Studio Malick; back-view portraits.
Sources & further exploration
Works in collections.
9 recordsPhotographs to explore on museum and library websites, with titles, dates and processes. Each link opens the collection record and its image where one is available.
- MoMA · 1963
A l'entree de la soiree (At the Entrance to the Party)
Gelatin silver print, printed 2003
- MoMA · 1968
Avec mon sac, bague et bracelets (With my Bag, Rings and Bracelets)
Gelatin silver print, printed 2003
- MoMA · 1970
Nuit du 10 octobre 1970 (Night of October 10, 1970)
Twenty-two gelatin silver prints mounted on paper
