“Africa : la renaissance en marche” with Baba Diedhiou.

1- For 30 years, the State of Senegal initiated the Biennale of Contemporary African Art in Dakar. After a postponement two years ago, it is finally the resumption of this initiative of international scope. What do you expect from this 14th edition of the Dakar Biennale?n

The 14th edition of the Biennale is a return to normal in the cultural sector. It is above all an opportunity to open up to the world, for us young artists and for anyone evolving in the field of art. It is an event that will be rich in exchanges, meetings and debates. Each individual will be able to gain new experiences and build relationships for the future.

n

2- How has this global crisis impacted your daily life? What do you see as your role as an artist with regard to this type of major and global disruptive event?n

This crisis has had a big impact on my daily life: for example fewer cultural events, many canceled exhibitions as well as trips and residences, fewer sales too. Beyond the cultural sector, the shootings and coverage of events, which I used to do for individuals, have dropped enormously. But this crisis has demonstrated how important the human being is and therefore has made us closer to each other.

nn

As for as I am concerned, this period was more dedicated to reflection and research on my art. The question was how I could evolve since we were more virtual. So I set myself the goal of showing my work through social networks and thus raising awareness about artistic photography.

n

3- As an artist, how do you project yourself now? What do you want to bring to Africa and to the world?n

Our specificity, our Africanness. The coronavirus has put man back at the center of earthly life. We as artists will have to show it to people and commit ourselves to a more human humanity and in doing so, continue to value Africa and its culture.

n

4- To what extent do the works you present in the exhibition “Africa: La Renaissance en marche” reflect the social and cultural life of the post-coronavirus period and the cultural, social and economic renaissance of the continent?

nMy works are deeply rooted in the daily life of the populations. They reflect my environment. They represent Africa’s resilience in the face of COVID and all the crises it has been through.

n

5- What are your artistic influences and how have they served your thinking?

nI drew a lot of inspiration from the situation we were experiencing with all its developments. I interpret the daily life of populations in different situations, without restrictions on the scenes of life. I seek to express my passion, my emotions on the scenes of daily life, the vivacity of the human being in his various activities, in his emotions, his joy of living. I find there an inner well-being that drives my creativity.

n

While waiting to appreciate Baba Diedhiou’s life-size work, you can find his latest projects on his Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Follow Kelen on ,Facebook and ,Instagram, for even more news and content on contemporary art from Africa.