THE PICTORIAL MOTIFS OF AMADOU SANOGO.

By Nii B. Andrews.

Amadou Sanogo has featured prominently in every 1-54 fair since 2013.

He paints abstract and deconstructed compositions on repurposed cloths that he finds in the local markets of Bamako where he works and resides; he does not paint on canvas.

Sanogo’s paintings reference contemporary issues of law and order; global politics and modes of communication. It is almost impossible to miss the traces of humor in his pieces.

He often utilises ancient ethnic symbols perhaps as a reminder to his viewers to never neglect traditional knowledge and thought systems.

In March this year, as a measure of his public spiritedness, he launched the building of a new arts centre in Bamako, the country’s capital.

It will host artists in residence, workshops for children and an exhibition space when it opens in 2022.

Currently, development is on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I’m sure that, after this crisis, our need for places to express creativity and get together will be even greater,” Sanogo says.

He is represented by the gallery Magnin-A in Paris.

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