I had not heard of him. I looked at one of his pictures in one of my phootgraphic books and was just fascinated. I wanted to discover who had taken this original and communicative image and I started to research him.
Malick Sidibé (Soloba 1935 – Bamako, 2016) was one of the first Malian photographers to work professionally from his own studio. Coming from a small village, he came to the big city (Bamako) where he started to work as assistant photographer in 1955 and he eventually opened his own studio in 1962. During a highly productive career he took thousands of photographs and worked progressively until old age. He has been identified as “la fierté du Mali et la mémoire du continent africain” (the pride of Mali and the memory of the African continent), as a journalist defined him.
I watched videos on the web, trying to collect as much information as possible and also went through some articles. Many people who knew him or his work say that joy is a predominant element and in his photos you can see this joyful and playful attitude towards life. He was also involved in documenting the social, economical changes that were happening in his country at the time (the way of dressing, the way of behaving, the status-symbols). He testified to the post-colonial awakening in the 60’s.
Sidibé has been described as a sociable person with a generous, outgoing personality who was able to empower his subjects while they were posing in an informal manner in front of his camera. Having a photo session in his studio seemed to be a social act, it was definitely a pleasant time spent together. I really think he had a good eye for capturing people in their lives and had an expertise for directing. He had many original ideas and a lively mind.
Thank you, Malick, for you contribution. Even in your black & white shots, you give color to photography and make it cheerful!
Inna Modja’s video, “Tomboctou”, inspired by Sidibé’s photography :
Photographer’s interview:
Elena Arvasi Portrait Photographer 