Africa Remix RebootedCollectionsLearning Hub
CollectionsArtistsAbdoulaye Konate

Abdoulaye Konate

Mali
1953
Konaté's art is deeply influenced by the rich textile traditions of West Africa, particularly Mali, and he employs woven and dyed cloths to create large-scale, abstract, and figurative compositions that reflect on issues such as war, power struggles, religion, globalization, ecological changes, and the AIDS epidemic.

Abdoulaye Konaté, born in 1953 in Diré, Mali, is an artist renowned for his textile-based installations that delve into socio-political and environmental themes, blending his aesthetic concerns with a formal language that resonates both locally and globally. Through his work, Konaté articulates a dialogue between the local and the universal, incorporating elements of Malian culture and broader socio-political narratives.

‍

Konaté's career has been marked by a commitment to addressing the pressing issues of his time. His installations often comment on the political and environmental challenges facing contemporary Mali and the broader world, including the encroachment of the Sahel and the societal impact of AIDS. By choosing textiles—a medium more accessible than paint in Mali—Konaté is able to question how various global forces, from AIDS and wars to ecological crises and globalization, affect individual and communal life.

‍

Konaté's work has gained international recognition, leading to numerous awards, such as the Officier de l'Ordre National du Mali and the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres de France. His exhibitions span a wide range of venues, from the Venice Biennale to the Dak’Art Biennale in Dakar, showcasing his ability to weave together personal, cultural, and global narratives. Among his notable exhibitions are retrospectives at the Arken Museum for Moderne Kunst and "Symphonie en couleur" at Blain|Southern London, highlighting the breadth and depth of his artistic practice.

‍

Artworks

A silhouette of a human figure set against a textured background. The silhouette appears to be cut out of a white material and is centrally placed on the canvas. Within the silhouette, there is a prominent red circle located at the torso, suggesting a focal point or perhaps a symbolic representation. The background has a three-dimensional quality, with numerous small, rounded protrusions creating a patterned effect that contrasts with the smoothness of the white silhouette. The entire piece is framed, which gives it the semblance of a traditional hanging artwork. The red circle, the textured background, and the negative space of the silhouette interact, potentially inviting the viewer to reflect on themes of identity, presence, and absence.
L'Initiation - Part 1
2004
The outline of a person filled with the pattern of the United States flag – the stars on a blue background on the right half, and red and white stripes on the left. The figure stands against a quilted backdrop with the same small protrusions as the first artwork. Below the figure, the quilt transitions into a dark blue color with two peace symbols outlined in white, resembling footprints. The peace symbols, reminiscent of paw prints, rest upon what looks like a puddle or shadow, suggesting a statement on American identity and peace.
L'Initiation - Part 2
2004
A silhouette filled with a pattern of red and orange hues, which could be seen as representing warmth, energy, or the essence of the human body.
L'Initiation - Part 3
2004
A silhouette of a person with their arm raised high, holding what appears to be a torch, reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty. The silhouette is filled with the colors of the French flag – blue, white, and red – from top to bottom, respectively. At the bottom of the quilt, there are several shapes resembling footprints or shoe prints in black, set against a contrasting background.
L'Initiation - Part 4
2004
A silhouette of a figure split vertically in half, rendered in a vivid red, creating a sense of duality or division. Emblazoned on the chest is a yellow icon recognizable as the hammer and sickle, a symbol commonly associated with communism. This could suggest a commentary on political identity or ideological split. Underneath the figure, there is a row of shapes that resemble dice, introducing elements of chance and uncertainty. This juxtaposition may allude to the unpredictability of political ideologies or the gamble inherent in political commitments. The quilted background provides a neutral, textured canvas, which makes the central image and its symbols stand out sharply, underscoring their significance. The overall composition might be exploring themes of political division, the dichotomy between ideologies, and the role of chance in the outcomes of political actions.
L'Initiation - Part 5
2004
A silhouette of a cloaked figure in black with religious symbols — a cross above a crescent with a star below it — on the torso. This combination of symbols typically represents Christianity and Judaism, and their placement on the silhouette could suggest a theme of religious unity or coexistence.
L'Initiation - Part 6
2004
A red silhouette of a figure against a quilted background. The figure is in a dynamic pose, with one arm stretched upwards and the other outstretched behind, suggesting movement or perhaps a gesture of proclamation or declaration. Below the figure, there is a skateboard, which is also rendered in red and aligned with the figure's stance, adding a youthful or contemporary element to the piece. The presence of the skateboard might suggest themes related to youth culture, movement, and possibly freedom or rebellion. The red color of the silhouette and the skateboard could symbolize energy, passion, or danger. The backdrop, quilted with a repetitive pattern, frames the central image and emphasizes its vibrancy and movement. This artwork may be exploring concepts of individuality, motion, and possibly the intersection of traditional crafts with modern urban culture.
L'Initiation - Part 7
2004
See our sources
Abdoulaye Konaté: Ocula
Ocula