Mariam Kamara (Nigerien, b.1979) of atelier masōmī (Niger, est. 2014), in collaboration with the Tuareg Sculptors Collective (Niger)
Album
Description
The journey through Making of an Artisan’s Valley comprises a whimsical promenade peppered with semicircular, perforated shells inspired by Niger’s rural cylindrical clay granary clusters. Visitors can take a seat on the wooden benches set against panels clad with embossed leather tiles as they watch the stories of the artisans who made them in the video documentaries that appear on the screens. The sensitivity of the craftsmanship is evident in the hand-carved brass floor panels, a piece of Niger’s heritage, reminiscent of a sacred ground paved with the earth’s riches. With a walking tour, both physically and metaphorically, through the work of Niger’s Tuareg artisans, this installation proposes a new social contract for how Niamey’s citizens might experience the valley as a place of unity
Biennale Sneak Peek
Biennale Sneak Peek
Image 1 – How will we live together?
An aerial view of the Gounti Yenna valley in Niger’s capital of Niamey that currently divides the city in two.
Photo: courtesy of the Rolex Foundation
Image 2 – Sneak peek of the project
A working sketch of part of atelier masōmī’s exhibition.
WITH THE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT OF
The Rolex Foundation
Boyd & Ogiers
The Prince Claus Awards Foundation
Production credits
Design Team: Mariam Kamara, Raymond Oloo, Mariama Kah
Artisans Team: Alhassane Bayi and the Tuareg Sculptors Collective
