Displaying a profound sense of rootedness and connectivity, Senegalese artist Aliou Diack is drawing up the multiple connections between his art and the earth. His practice invites viewers to ponder the subtle threads that bind humanity to the natural world and illuminates the profound symbiosis that defines our existence. Diack’s use of colours and textures to represent his ideas on the interconnectedness of nature converges in a symphony of poetic harmony, thereby crafting polymorphic forms that evoke the essence of nature’s symbiosis. Each piece becomes a microcosm within the vast cosmos, where shades dance with the fluidity of air and textures pulsate with life.
Born in 1987 in Sidi Bougou (region Mbour), Aliou Diack currently lives and works in Dakar, Senegal. Having developed a very early fascination for his environment and exploration of mother nature, he is utilizing natural pigments sourced locally or crafted by his own hands, which serve as conduits, channeling the primal energy of the earth onto his canvas. His main subjects and motifs are animals and nature– often camouflaging, sometimes awakening from the ground or even dissolving in the air. He creates multilayered landscapes by combining patches of colour with concrete lines and scattering of pigments, which are made of dead plants and trees, and often used for medical purposes in Senegal.
Diack studied fine art at the École Nationale des Arts de Dakar (ENA) between 2009 and 2014. During these years, his sketching style, rigour, and working rhythm evolved into a strong and identifiable visual method for self-expression. His new series of works, created during his three-week residency at space Un, is currently on view in Japan.
Initiated by collector and founder Edna Dumas, space Un is a newly conceived arts and culture venue in Tokyo focusing on Contemporary African Art and cultural exchange between Japan and African countries. Co-founded by actor and artist Yuta Nakano and the cultural entrepreneur Lothar Eckstein, space Un embraces cross-disciplinary programming beyond visual arts ranging from music events to readings. The space is located in the Aoyama area of Tokyo. Activities will expand to include artist residencies, grants, publications, launching limited edition artworks, and more.
Diack’s exhibition “Anastomosis” is digging deeper into the intricate tapestry of natural interconnectedness.
“There are lots of similarities shared between Senegal and Japan. I think above all, we share this true appreciation for the Earth, a true recognition and gratitude for all it gives us,” says Aliou Diack.
Iyanuoluwa Adenle is a Nigerian art writer, essayist, and poet based in Lagos. She is currently the head writer at Omenai. Adenle has contributed to a number of art publications, including Tender Photo, Art News Africa, Pavillon 54, and Omenai.
