Last Saturday at agnès b.'s Howard Street boutique was the opening of her latest show, featuring photos by the Bamako-based photographer Malick Sidibé. Sidibé, who inspired the film DOLCE VITA AFRICANA (a documentary about a joyful––not impoverished and suffering––African youth) has been photographing Malian youth culture for the last 50 years. His photos show confident, sharply stylish subjects who blend their cultural heritage with contemporary musical influences. Sidibé has a big fan, Ryan McGinley, who was in his Bamako studio a few months ago. Here are some snaps from the opening and a couple of Ryan's pics from his trip.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Julien (right) and friends
![]()
Chris, José, and friends
![]()
Elodie and Audrey
![]()
Malick's studio in Bamako, Mali
![]()
Ryan and his friend Chad at Malick's studio this past January
![]()
"[Malick's] studio is very small, like a little shoebox in Bamako. It's off a dusty dirt road in the city. This wall of cameras is on the left, when you walk in." ––Ryan
![]()
"This area where Malick shot many of his most famous portraits is about the size of two showers." ––Ryan
Julien (right) and friends
Chris, José, and friends
Elodie and Audrey
Malick's studio in Bamako, Mali
Ryan and his friend Chad at Malick's studio this past January
"[Malick's] studio is very small, like a little shoebox in Bamako. It's off a dusty dirt road in the city. This wall of cameras is on the left, when you walk in." ––Ryan
"This area where Malick shot many of his most famous portraits is about the size of two showers." ––Ryan