I had the good fortune to meet Manel four years ago in Dakar. Since then, whenever I visit Senegal, I never miss an opportunity to attend his exhibitions. Manel is a man of great serenity, with a calm and thoughtful demeanour. He stands out for his keen insight into the times we live in, whilst remaining deeply committed to preserving the traditions he holds dear. Manel Ndoye is a brilliant addition to this new Senegalese art scene, representing a rising generation of young artists. His work, rooted in tradition yet resolutely forward-looking, perfectly illustrates the dynamism and diversity of this new creative wave in Senegal. These young African artists fuel this enthusiasm through their profound works, imbued with stories and cultural values, thereby playing a crucial role in redefining post-colonial imaginaries and reclaiming narratives.
I had the good fortune to meet Manel four years ago in Dakar. Since then, whenever I visit Senegal, I never miss an opportunity to attend his exhibitions. Manel is a man of great serenity, with a calm and thoughtful demeanour. He stands out for his keen insight into the times we live in, whilst remaining deeply committed to preserving the traditions he holds dear.
Manel Ndoye is a brilliant addition to this new Senegalese art scene, representing a rising generation of young artists. His work, rooted in tradition yet resolutely forward-looking, perfectly illustrates the dynamism and diversity of this new creative wave in Senegal. These young African artists fuel this enthusiasm through their profound works, imbued with stories and cultural values, thereby playing a crucial role in redefining post-colonial imaginaries and reclaiming narratives. 
©photo credit benamiella
A rapid rise…
Trained at the École des Beaux-arts in Dakar, Yelli Ndoye, known as Manel, saw his passion for painting blossom at a very early age. His older brother and mentor, the late Douts Ndoye, supported and guided him in this shared passion. As early as 2009, his talent was recognised by the Gorgan International Visual Arts Festival in Iran.
Graduating top of his class in 2010, Manel quickly made a name for himself on the local art scene, exhibiting in prestigious venues and receiving praise from eminent figures such as Joe Ouakam. His art, navigating between figuration and abstraction, has allowed him to express his unique sensibility, captivating an international audience at the Dak’art Biennale in 2012, where he won the Blachère Foundation Prize. His first solo exhibition explores his key themes, such as the human impact on ecosystems, the lives of fishermen and Lebou culture. 
Fish migrations - Art Kelen Gallery
A committed artist….
Manel is committed to addressing issues relating to the scourge of ocean plundering and the precarious situation of Dakar’s fishermen, who face competition from foreign cargo ships that siphon off and devastate marine resources, destroying jobs and traditions and threatening the very existence of traditional fishing trades. Manel invites us to discover the rigour of these men’s labour through delicate lines and a style of painting imbued with poetry. He beautifully illustrates the Ndawrabine dance, which forms the core identity of Lebou culture. He captures the essence of this dance through the costumes, which he links to specific colour palettes.
This ancestral dance inspires him to explore his creations through a variety of techniques, whilst navigating between philosophy and research into history, choreography, tradition, cultural memory and origins. Beyond dance, he pays tribute to Lebou women, the guardians of cultural values within future communities. His latest exhibition, “Female Heroines”, was on display last month in Dakar. Today, Manel N’doye is exploring other mediums such as drawing and installation, as well as weaving.
Sought after for projects of international scope, Manel has exhibited in Marrakech, alongside renowned artists, and in Paris, establishing his reputation beyond Senegal’s borders. Locally, his influence continues to grow, as evidenced by his solo exhibitions in Dakar, which invite viewers to immerse themselves in the depths of the sea and the microscopic world. 
Visit the Art Kelen gallery to discover the works of Manel N'doye.