SOFIFRAN showcases the cultural diversity of Mali

As part of Black History Month (BHM), SOFIFRAN, in collaboration with Brock University and the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre (FOPAC) in St. Catharines, presents the exhibition Spirit of Mali from February 4 to 10. It is an exceptional body of work created by Mali’s greatest masters of textile art and wood carving.

“The Spirit of Mali exhibition grew out of a committed vision of celebrating and preserving traditional knowledge. More than ever, this jewel of Malian culture speaks of a deep wisdom and a rich spirituality. It passes on to us the strength of standing together, it weaves the creative cloth that unites our differences, and it reminds us how important it is to cultivate peace first, so that prosperity can follow”, explains the artist and curator of the exhibition, Stève Viès.

On February 4, the opening reception also launched the 16th edition of Festiv’Ébène, SOFIFRAN’s annual festival, hosted by Justine Gogoua and built around the theme “From Mud to Bogolan, an Aesthetic of Identity”.

The organization’s executive director, Fété Ngira-Batware Kimpiobi, drew on important partners to bring this masterwork to Niagara, among them David Vivian, director of the Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture at Brock University, and his colleague Jean Ntakirutimana, professor of French studies in the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures.

“We worked with Ms. Kimpiobi to put this exhibition together and brought Brock students on board to work on the project”, says Mr. Vivian. “We wanted to give Festiv’Ébène a home so the project would be a full part of the University’s Black History Month activities. The FOPAC was a great partner on the project, and its executive director, Colleen Smith, made it a priority. Thanks to this collaboration, secondary school students will be able to come and admire the exhibition this week.”

At the opening reception, Stève Viès gave a short description of the works on display, the setting and the context in which they were made, stories from his own experience and the inspiration he felt during the creative process, along with a wealth of interesting connections that shed light on the rich cultural diversity of Mali.

The opening night in St. Catharines ended with a show by Burkinabè artist Amadou Kiénou and his musicians. The audience needed no coaxing to dance to the rhythms of this djembe virtuoso.

Festiv’Ébène will close on February 25 at École Saint-Jean-de-Brébeuf in Welland with a show featuring artists OKAN, Woodney Pierre and Sage Matuzolele.

Le Régional