“Most of us only had an image of ourselves in the mirror. But it would fade away. We didn’t have a fixed image. And that began with Seydou.”
This quote from the artist’s brother, Abdoulaye Keïta, says it all. Seydou Keïta was a singular artist who changed the face of portrait photography. He recorded Mali’s mid-20th-century evolution from his Bamako studio, and now this exhibition brings Bamako to Brooklyn.
Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens is included in general admission.
Inside the studio
Named after the Keïta family compound, the film Keïta La is a glimpse into the photographer’s studio and his family’s efforts to preserve his legacy.
Upcoming events
Teen Night: One Shot
Friday, March 13, 5–7:30 pm
During this time of change, explore the power of self-expression at the year’s second Teen Night, a free teen-led program centered on art and activism. This evening is inspired by Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens, an exhibition of photographs that—in one shot—capture people’s emotions and identities as their country was rapidly evolving.
Art History Happy Hour: Seydou Keïta
Thursday, April 9, 7–9 pm
Grab a beverage and settle in for this month’s edition of Art History Happy Hour, an evening of lighthearted lectures inspired by Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens. Hear from Phillip and Edith Leonian Curator of Photography Pauline Vermare, collection artist Chester Higgins Jr., and journalist Howard W. French as they reflect on the legacy of this legendary Malian photographer.
Tickets include one specialty drink and after-hours admission to the exhibition.
ASL Tour: Seydou Keïta
Saturday, March 28, 2–4 pm
Visitors from the D/deaf community are invited to explore Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens on an American Sign Language (ASL) tour, led by a Deaf teaching artist. This program is free; registration is required.
For nearly 180 years, VLISCO has created distinctive printed fabrics—many of which have become cultural icons, embraced and given meaning by people across West and Central Africa.
Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens is organized by guest curator Catherine E. McKinley with Imani Williford, Curatorial Assistant, Photography, Fashion, and Material Culture, Brooklyn Museum.
Exhibition soundtrack created by Nile Rodgers and Chmba Chilemba.
Significant support is provided by the Leonian Charitable Trust.
Generous support is provided by Tom Healy and Fred P. Hochberg, Elizabeth and William Kahane, and VLISCO.
Additional support is provided by Isabel Stainow Wilcox.
We are grateful to all the lenders for this exhibition, especially The Jean Pigozzi African Art Collection and the Seydou Keïta family, who were passionate advocates and generous lenders for this presentation.
From the top: Seydou Keïta. Untitled, 1956, printed 2018. Gelatin silver print. Courtesy of The Jean Pigozzi African Art Collection and Danziger Gallery, NY; Seydou Keïta. Untitled, 1957. Vintage gelatin silver print. Courtesy of The Jean Pigozzi African Art Collection. © SKPEAC/Seydou Keïta, courtesy The Jean Pigozzi Collection of African Art and Danziger Gallery, NY; Seydou Keïta. Untitled, 1949–51, printed ca. 1994–2001. Gelatin silver print. Courtesy of the Musée national du Mali. © SKPEAC/Seydou Keïta, courtesy The Jean Pigozzi Collection of African Art and Danziger Gallery, NY; Seydou Keïta. Untitled, 1952–55, printed ca. 1994–2001. Gelatin silver print. Courtesy of The Jean Pigozzi African Art Collection. © SKPEAC/Seydou Keïta, courtesy The Jean Pigozzi Collection of African Art and Danziger Gallery, NY; Image provided by the Brooklyn Museum Shop
