In Senegal, where people have trouble understanding and even accepting street performances, urban dancers have a tough time coping with prejudice. By focusing on these artists Siaka S. Traoré has set out to change the public’s way of thinking. A dancer himself, he takes the time to get acquainted with his subjects, study their moves and take in their styles. He goes out with them in search of the right locations for performances and photos, and most often photographs them while they are actually dancing – he has a real knack for pressing the button at just the right moment. His approach, he says, is “both artistic and sociological. In addition to getting a visual effect, I’m interested by the social impact of this art form.” By showing the performers’ skills and finding an audience for them, he is suggesting a way of catching Sunu Street – “our street” – at its dynamic best.
Biography
A Burkina Faso citizen, Siaka S. Traoré was born in Douala, Cameroon, in 1986. He grew up in an artistic environment and began working as a self-taught photographer four years ago. In 2014 he had his first exhibition at Dak’Art, the Biennale of Contemporary African Art in Dakar, Senegal, where he works and lives.
FESTIVAL
5th Edition of PhotoQuai
Sunu Street, 2013-2014
Siaka S.Traoré
Curator : Azu NWAGBOGU
Until November 22nd, 2015
In Front of Quai Branly Museum
37 quai Branly
75007 Paris
France
http://www.photoquai.fr
