The work of African photographers in less developed countries is unlikely to reach major cultural centres, something that definitely brings nothing. For these and other factors, the opportunity to visit the exhibition in Rio de Janeiro with images of malian Seydou Keita becomes even more important.
In an exhibition held since the beginning of September at the Instituto Moreira Salles (IMS) in the capital carioca, Keita portrays in more than 100 images of everyday situations in a reality reminiscent of the late 1940s, all of the 1950s and early 1960s. Specifically, between 1948 and 1962.
- An interesting point cited in the description of how the project stands out in its official presentation is the choice of the period represented.
- In fact.
- As has historically happened with many African nations.
- Mali did not become independent until 1960.
- Capture precisely an intense period of cultural and social transformation.
In addition to the content, it is also worth noting the initiative of Seydou Keita, which given the context in which she lived, the opening of a photography studio, as she did in the country’s capital, Bamako, is almost perceived as a pioneer, especially given the immense contribution to the archives of African photography.
Finally, another element that weighs positively to honor the work of Seydou Keita is the question of the originality of reflection on the material of the professional on Brazilian soil, since it is the first time that his work has been exhibited here.