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2

Creative Africa Network in Bamako

Day 2

HASSAN HAJJAJ opens solo exhibition at the Galerie de l’INA, Bamako

Yesterday artist Hassan Hajjaj opened his solo exhibition at the Galerie de l’INA, as part of the 8th Bamako Encounters. "Dakka Marrakech", curated by Michket Krifa, revisits fashion photography, with an ironical Orientalist twist. Friends and family members of the artist’s, as well as passers-by reenact, for Hajjaj’s lens, poses recalling photographs taken by Europeans in Marrakech.

Djellabas, veils, slippers, accessories... one immediately recognizes Hajjaj’s “trademark” in traditional outfits tagged with Western luxury brands. A fashion designer, Hajjaj blurs the distinction between original creations and appropriation of existing labels, printed or embroidered on fabric of his making.

In addition to his photographs, the designer of the renowned Paris-based restaurant Andy Waloo – a pun on the American pop art legend – and the memorable Salon Afric presented at the Hayward Gallery, London as part Africa Remix and Africa 05, did not miss the opportunity to relook the Galerie de l’INA with furniture of his own to create a relaxed, hip and colourful atmosphere that echoes the Marché Rouge, a craft market adjacent to the gallery.

Interviewed by the ORTM, Mali’s national television, Hajjaj said it was quite an inspiring experience for him to take part in this important biennial, in Sub-Saharan Africa, and that the Bamako Encounters provided a great opportunity for the London/Marrakech-based artist to engage with artists from the rest of the continent.

Read Hassan Hajjaj’s statement here.

Contributions
Christine Eyene