Gallery CHRISTOPHE PERSON, in collaboration with Luc Berthier, is proud to present “DOLO, le Dogon du siècle“, a retrospective exhibition paying tribute to Malian artist Amahiguéré Dolo. Presented until April 27, this artistic presentation aims to rediscover his unique skills by offering a comprehensive look at his works and artistic approach. Somewhere between animism and surrealism, Amahiguéré Dolo creates a captivating dialogue between his paintings on canvas, his unpublished drawings and his famous wood sculptures, revealing all the beauty and uniqueness of his creations.
Luc Berthier, a former gallery owner commissioned by the rightful owners, played an essential role in the realization of the “DOLO, le Dogon du siècle” exhibition. In collaboration with Christophe Person, they drew up a “charter of good practice” highlighting posthumous work in the field of modern and contemporary African art, thus inspiring a virtuous circle in the management of the economic rights of the continent’s artists.
Born in 1955 in a village in the Sangha region, Amahiguéré Dolo is deeply rooted in Dogon culture, which greatly influences the architecture of his creations. Despite the prohibitions of his cultural background, the artist has nurtured his passion for creation from an early age, secretly exploring wood carving and ceramics, an art generally practiced by women. After training in painting at theBamako National Arts Institute (1976-1980) and working as a cultural advisor at Sites et Monuments du Mali, Amahiguéré Dolo turned to sculpture in 1988, influenced by his encounter with Spanish artist Miquel Barceló.
Brought up in an animist society of farmers and blacksmiths, known for its sculptures and rich mythology,Amahiguéré Dolo ‘s works reflect this rich cultural and historical heritage. His art, deeply rooted in his beliefs and worldview, brings to life a mystical dimension that seeks to represent the invisible, the legacy of a thousand-year-old Dogon culture imbued with myths, beliefs and ways of life.
The exhibition “DOLO, le Dogon du siècle” at CHRISTOPHE PERSON Gallery highlights the exceptional works of Amahiguéré Dolo, whose artistic practice transcends borders and traditions. In his community, woodcarving was reserved exclusively for blacksmiths, so Amahiguéré Dolo moved to Ségou to easily practice his sculptural art. He works exclusively with dead wood, following a principle of profound respect for nature: “work must never harm nature“. This approach is reflected in his creations, ranging from sculpture and lithography to drawing, painting and ceramics, all imbued with his intimate connection with Dogon mythology.
The retrospective exhibition offers a body of work that testifies to Amahiguéré Dolo ‘s attachment to her cultural roots and mythological heritage. By letting wood guide her creation, following natural veins and holes to shape her sculptures, the artist infuses her art with unique beauty, relevance and depth. Beyond tradition, his creations convey a universal message, making him a major figure of contemporary art in Africa.
“DOLO, le Dogon du siècle” runs in parallel with the Blachère Foundation’s 20th anniversary celebration, under the theme “Bandiagara, au commencement de la collection“, scheduled to run from April 4 to September 21, 2024. This commemoration highlights the importance ofAmahiguéré Dolo in the career of Jean-Paul Blachère, a patron-industrialist who was introduced to Dogon culture by the artist. This meeting marked the beginning of Jean-Paul Blachère ‘s collection and the creation of his foundation, which today places Amahiguéré Dolo among the essential artists in Africa, in this pivotal period that saw the evolution from classical to contemporary art.
