La famille, éd. 3/8
Bakary Diémé, a prominent Senegalese artist from Casamance, studied at the École des Arts in Dakar under Iba N'diaye. Known for his use of symmetry and motifs inspired by African statuary, Diémé drew influence from objects sold in Dakar's vibrant art markets. La Famille reimagines the concept of family as a totemic structure, incorporating symbols like the Bwa horizontal blade mask and simplified face motifs from Bamana and Senufo masks.
The work’s careful arrangement of forms and its abstract approach to African cultural identity highlight Diémé’s skill in combining classical visual traditions with modern design.
The work’s careful arrangement of forms and its abstract approach to African cultural identity highlight Diémé’s skill in combining classical visual traditions with modern design.
Artwork Details
- Title: La famille, éd. 3/8
- Artist: Bakary Diémé (Senegalese, born 1947)
- Date: 1979
- Culture: Senegalese
- Medium: Cotton (warp), wool (weft), and other unidentified fibers
- Dimensions: H. 56 5/16 x W. 42 15/16 in. (H. 143 x W. 109 cm.)
- Classification: Textiles-Tapestries
- Credit Line: Florence and Herbert Irving Acquisitions Fund, 2025
- Object Number: 2025.120
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
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