In 1995, the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain presented the first solo exhibition of the Malian photographer Malick Sidibé outside of the African continent. One year after the artist’s death on April 14, 2016, the Fondation Cartier pays tribute to him with Mali Twist*, a large retrospective exhibition accompanied by a catalogue. The exhibition is conceived and directed by André Magnin, in collaboration with Brigitte Ollier. Along with iconic works, the exhibition presents for the first time a vast collection of vintage photographs and portraits of a timeless beauty, from the artist’s archives.

This exceptional collection of black-and-white photographs provides a thorough immersion in the life of the man who was nicknamed “the eye of Bamako.” The photographs reveal Malick Sidibé’s capacity, starting at the beginning of the 1960s, to grasp the vitality of the youth of Bamako and impose his unique style, recognized today throughout the world.

The Nomadic Nights
During the exhibition the Nomadic Nights invite Malian artists, musicians, and thinkers to dialogue with Malick Sidibé’s work. Concerts, popular balls, traditional puppets, mobile photo studio, and meetings around music and dance will punctuate the exhibition as many projects and voices
that echo the happiness that Malick Sidibé’s photographs inspire.

The catalogue
Xavier Barral Editions, Paris
French and English versions
300 colour and black-and-white reproductions
Texts by André Magnin, Brigitte Ollier, Manthia Diawara,
Robert Storr and Malick Sidibé

The title Mali Twist refers to the eponymous song of Malian singer and guitarist Boubacar Traoré, released in 1963.

Curator : André Magnin

Co-curator : Brigitte Ollier