A compelling photography exhibition titled "Mali According to Its Photographers" opened its doors on July 19 at the Bamako District Museum, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the country's cultural wealth and heritage. The exhibition, which will run until September 28, features the work of the Mali Photographers' Collective, a group of dedicated artists who have captured stunning images from across the entire country to showcase Mali's richness, cultural patrimony, and its people, despite the significant difficulties the nation has faced in recent years.
The exhibition presents a comprehensive visual journey through Mali's diverse landscapes and cultural sites, featuring photographs taken from major cities including Bamako, Djenné, Ségou, Timbuktu, Gao, and Sikasso. These images are the result of collaborative work by a collective of travelers and adventurers who share a deep love for their country and are committed to presenting it in its most favorable light.
"This is a way of showing the Mali we want people to see," explains Ousmane Makaveli, spokesperson for the Mali Photographers' Collective. "We want to demonstrate all the potential this country has despite the difficulties it has experienced in recent years. The heritage, the cultural practices – as photographers, as artists, we have a duty to be optimistic and passionate! That's what we want to transmit to people."
The collective brings together approximately twenty photographers from different regions across Mali, each contributing their unique perspective and artistic vision. Among these talented artists is Atou Traoré, whose work exemplifies the cross-cultural appreciation that defines the exhibition. Despite not belonging to the Dogon ethnic group herself, Traoré chose to showcase a photograph taken during a Dogon cultural festival, demonstrating the collective's commitment to celebrating Mali's diverse cultural heritage.
"In the photograph, you can see a man dancing during an activity called 'the coming out of the masks,'" explains Traoré, describing her featured work. "These are Dogon men who wear these masks along with costumes, and they dance and sing. I wanted to understand what it represented, and when I saw them dancing, I found it quite beautiful. It's important for me to promote Malian culture."
The exhibition's scope extends far beyond traditional cultural ceremonies and festivals. The displayed photographs capture a wide range of subjects that collectively paint a comprehensive portrait of contemporary Mali. Visitors can view images of significant cultural sites, religious locations, and everyday scenes that speak to the resilience and determination of the Malian people. One particularly striking theme in the exhibition shows men working together to construct a building, symbolizing the collaborative spirit and collective effort required to move the country forward – much like the Mali Photographers' Collective itself.
This diverse collection of images serves multiple purposes beyond mere artistic expression. The photographers have deliberately chosen to focus on positive aspects of Malian life and culture, presenting a counter-narrative to the often negative portrayals of the country in international media. Their work celebrates the beauty of Mali's architectural heritage, the vibrancy of its cultural traditions, and the strength of its communities.
The timing of this exhibition is particularly significant, as Mali has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including political instability and security concerns. By choosing to highlight the country's cultural wealth and the resilience of its people, the photographers are making a powerful statement about the importance of maintaining cultural identity and pride during difficult times.
The Mali Photographers' Collective represents a new generation of artists who are taking an active role in shaping how their country is perceived both domestically and internationally. Their work demonstrates that despite external challenges, Mali's rich cultural heritage continues to thrive and evolve.
The exhibition is housed at the Bamako District Museum, located next to the central city hall, making it easily accessible to both local residents and international visitors. The museum provides an ideal setting for this celebration of Malian photography, offering a space where art and culture can be appreciated and discussed.
For those interested in experiencing this unique showcase of Malian culture and artistic talent, "Mali According to Its Photographers" will remain open to the public through September 28. The exhibition represents not only an artistic achievement but also a testament to the power of photography to preserve, celebrate, and share cultural heritage across different communities and generations.
