Until January 4, 2025, the LouiSimonne Guirandou art space in Abidjan is hosting a stunning exhibition titled “(Re)Silence,” by multidisciplinary artist Alun Be. This Senegalese photographer, whose work resonates at the intersection of tradition, modernity, and technology, presents a series of works that deeply explore the connections between the past and the future.
Born in Dakar in 1981, Alun Be is a multi-talented artist. The son of a Senegalese father and a Guinean mother, he grew up in Côte d’Ivoire before traveling across Europe, the United States, and Africa for his studies and projects. An architect by training, as well as a sculptor, musician, and photographer, Alun Be has carved out a unique place in the international art scene. His journey reflects an insatiable curiosity and a natural talent for crafting captivating visual narratives.
A Body of Work Rooted in Humanity
Alun Be’s primary focus is on humanity. His first iconic series, Empowering Women, commissioned by the United Nations in 2015, highlights ten inspiring women. Presented at the Milan World Expo, this series reveals an artist already mastering the art of capturing human resilience and determination. This initial international recognition was only the beginning of a career marked by exhibitions at the Dakar Biennale, Lagos Photo Festival, and prestigious institutions like the Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac Museum.
Alun Be’s favorite themes revolve around women’s empowerment, intergenerational transmission, and the intersection of tradition and technology. His Edification series embodies this vision. Children wear virtual reality headsets while interacting with traditional masks or fetishes. The image is powerful: a generation navigating between ancestral wisdom and technological modernity.
Balance Between Architecture and Photography
An architect by training, Alun Be applies a rigorous yet aesthetic approach to his photographic art. Each shot is carefully structured, like a building, with meticulous attention to detail. His training shines through in his compositions, which combine geometry, harmony, and symbolism. “Photography is an extension of my love for architecture,” says the artist. This intimate link between the two disciplines is evident in series like Edification, as well as in his exploration of old urban walls, which become silent witnesses to human history.
In the “(Re)Silence” exhibition, two new series illustrate Alun Be’s unique ability to transform the ordinary into artistic masterpieces. The first explores walls in cities across the world, imbued with collective history. The second, more intimate, portrays a little girl in a red dress playing near the sea. Surrounded by traditional masks, this child symbolizes the bridge between a rich past of traditions and a promising future.
A Unique and Immersive Visual Language
Alun Be’s visual universe is distinguished by his masterful use of contrasts and colors. In “(Re)Silence,” each image invites viewers into an immersive sensory experience. Subtle nuances, interplay of shadow and light, and the depth of his compositions testify to an impressive technical mastery. But beyond aesthetics, Alun Be’s works carry powerful messages. Through his photographs, he questions societal evolution, the role of tradition in a rapidly changing world, and the impact of technology on cultural identities.
Alun Be’s talent has transcended African borders to shine on a global scale. His exhibitions have taken him to every continent, from Africa to America, Asia, and Europe. His work has been featured in renowned art fairs such as AKAA (Also Known As Africa) and 1-54. Each piece is an invitation to discover a contemporary Africa that is innovative and connected to the world while remaining true to its roots.
Why Visit “(Re)Silence”?
The “(Re)Silence” exhibition is much more than a simple retrospective. It offers a profound reflection on our shared humanity and the multifaceted nature of identity. Visitors will discover works that reveal the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, between grounding and transformation.
In a world where identities are often challenged by globalization and technological advances, Alun Be’s works remind us of the importance of reconnecting with our roots while embracing change. Each photograph is an invitation to slow down, observe, and reflect on how we navigate the present while building the future.