Malick Sidibé

Smith Andersen North, San Anselmo, 2014

Malick Sidibé’s celebrated portfolio Mali Twist captures the identity of a reborn Mali, particularly the fashion and vibrant music communities active after the country’s independence from France. The 21 photogravures comprising the portfolio pay homage to rock and roll and how music, fashion, and community defines Malian nationalism. The title Mali Twist has its roots in rock music, named after a song by Malian superstar Boubacar Traoré. These joyous images document the rich culture of Mali’s capital city, Bamako, and the burgeoning freedom movements of African nations in the mid to late 1900s. 

Another complete portfolio of Mali Twist is in the collection of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

This portfolio includes the following images:

Look at Me, 1962

The Whole Family on the Motorbike, 1962

Exhibitionist Before the Party, 1963

Christmas Eve, 1963

Dancing the Twist, 1963

During a Party: The Poses, 1964

Dance the Twist, 1965

A Party at the Chaussée, 1965

Disc Jockey at Beatles in Bolibana, 25 March 1967, 1967

Drissa Balo Wedding Party, 1967

Babenco Bay from Médine, 1968

Studio Photo with Bell Bottoms, 1969

Yokoro, 1970

Picnic at the Chaussée, 1972

I Am Crazy for Records, 3 November 1973, 1973

A Party at the Chaussée, 1973

On the Motorbike in My Studio, 1973

With My Moped, 1975

Friends Fighting with Stones, 1976

During the Great Heat, 1976

To Myself, 1978