Ousmane Niang’s “L’Heure du Regard” exhibition, on show at the AFIKARIS gallery in Paris until January 4, 2025, plunges viewers into the heart of global socio-political and economic tensions. True to his committed approach, the Senegalese artist unveils a series of works that resonate as a call to reflection, highlighting the consequences of inequality and corruption on individuals and societies. Using a variety of media and a metaphorical approach, Ousmane Niang invites us to lower our eyes and observe social realities that are often ignored.
A visual critique of elites and the political system
Inspired by Mati Diop’s film “Atlantique” (2019), Ousmane Niang subtly transposes the dynamics of power and social exclusion through striking works. His characters, dressed in bespoke suits and staring at the horizon with averted gaze, embody the indifference of elites to popular suffering. The scenes of corruption and unofficial agreements he depicts (“Accord politique, 2024”) denounce the shortcomings of a system where personal interest prevails over the common good.
For Ousmane Niang, these figures embody a power disconnected from reality. His works call on these leaders to “lower their eyes”, to come out of their palaces to face social truths and listen to the voices of the people they govern. The artist echoes a collective cry of distress, that of those who feel forced into exile in the face of a blocked future.
Beyond criticism, Ousmane Niang proposes a constructive vision. In his work, the nails hammered into the wood symbolize the human mass, linked by bonds of solidarity. This visual metaphor highlights the need for collective action to tackle contemporary scourges. It urges citizens to make the most of their natural resources and individual skills to build a better future, without resorting to exile.
The three pillars he puts forward – working the land, knowledge and learning a skill – form the foundations of a sustainable economy.These elements, both simple and universal, appear as answers to systemic inequalities.Niang’s works, though imbued with humor and social satire, deliver a clear message: transformation comes through unity and community involvement.
A unique aesthetic: between abstraction and figuration
Born in 1989 in Tamba, Senegal, Ousmane Niang has developed a distinctive artistic signature.Mastering pointillism and anthropomorphic forms, he creates compositions that oscillate between abstraction and figuration.His ability to integrate different media, such as Plexiglas and plywood, enables him to explore new aesthetic dimensions.
In “L’Heure du Regard”, the meticulous details of her works captivate the viewer while serving a powerful narrative. Each element becomes a metaphor, testifying to his technical mastery and conceptual commitment. His style, both accessible and complex, resonates deeply with the issues he tackles.
With this exhibition, Ousmane Niang confirms his status as a committed and visionary artist. By confronting global issues with local solutions, he embodies a new generation of African artists who are redefining the contours of contemporary art. His work reveals a deep sensitivity to social and economic issues, while offering perspectives of hope and transformation.
“L’Heure du Regard” is not just an exhibition; it’s an invitation to rethink our role in society, and to envisage a future based on ethics, responsibility and community involvement. In this, Ousmane Niang doesn’t just create art – he creates dialogue.