A self-taught, emerging artist on the contemporary African art scene, Colette Diallo expresses herself through two disciplines: painting and the creation of handcrafted jewellery. Her canvases, with their vibrant colours and mysterious faces, are part of the rich tradition of African painting…
A self-taught artist and rising star on the contemporary African art scene, Colette Diallo expresses herself through two disciplines: painting and the creation of handcrafted jewellery. Her canvases, with their vibrant colours and mysterious faces, are part of the rich tapestry of contemporary African painting, where depth and emotion come together. Her jewellery, striking and refined, embodies a form of wearable contemporary art, boldly blending art and craftsmanship.
An artist’s journey
For Colette Diallo, creating is not a choice but a vital necessity. “It’s simply being myself. It’s what keeps me breathing; it’s also my way of expressing myself. I have a constant urge to create,” she confides. Her inspiration comes from the little things in everyday life: an image encountered by chance, a colour glimpsed in the street, a word heard or read in a magazine. For her, these fragments of life become material to be transformed, a starting point for a new work.
Colette’s creative world
Colette’s work spans two distinct worlds: painting and jewellery. “My jewellery is delicate, my paintings enigmatic. My style is both simple and sensitive,” she explains. Whilst her paintings demand reflection and deep immersion, creating jewellery represents a more spontaneous, almost playful approach. “Creating jewellery is a pleasure, a bit of fun. Painting requires thought, more deliberation and deep immersion,” she adds. Among her recent works, one painting holds a special place in her heart: the one created for her daughter and her partner, specially designed for their new flat. Created whilst on holiday, away from her usual surroundings, this piece was conceived as an intimate gift, a symbol of a life transition.
Roots and identity
Colette’s African roots deeply inform her work. “It is no coincidence that my characters are Black. My African roots are deeply embedded in my work,” she emphasises. Her creations are thus imbued with a strong identity, both personal and universal, which links her art to a shared memory and culture.
Vision and plans
Driven by boundless energy, Colette’s primary wish is to continue sharing her art with as many people as possible. “To keep working with energy and share my art wherever I can,” she says simply. More than an aesthetic endeavour, her work is intended as an exchange with the public and collectors. “I simply want to share my work with them and create a dialogue,” she says.
(1) Cheveux de feu, acrylic on canvas, 85x58 (3) Boy Dakar, acrylic on canvas, 80x50
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