Untitled #313, 1956–57 (printed 2001 by Charles Griffin, New York; new print from Keita's original negative, authorized by the artist before his death)
Seydou Keita (Malian, 1921–2001)
Gelatin silver print
Technical Glossary
Seydou Keita (Malian, 1921–2001)
Gelatin silver print
22 x 15 1/2 in. (55.9 x 39.4 cm)
Purchase, Joseph and Ceil Mazer Foundation Inc. Gift, 2002 (2002.217)
In 1991, when Keïta's photographs were exhibited in New York, they were unsigned and he was unknown outside Africa. Soon after, the details of his photographic career emerged and international acclaim followed. He is considered a leader of a classic tradition of studio photographers working in Mali in the 1950s. His signature compositions, combining pattern on pattern, identify his unique, innovative style of photography.
