Malick Sidibé

Malick Sidibé (1935-2016) was a Malian photographer. He is known for his black and white photographs of youth culture in Bamako, Mali. His introduction to the photographic sciences was decorating the studio of French photographer, Gérard Guillat. Impressed by him, Guillat took Sidibé on as his apprentice. Starting his solo practice in 1957, with taking photos of nightlife, Sidibé opened his own studio in 1962. His photographs show Malian modernity, documenting times of transition and youthful fun. Following the opening of his own studio, he began taking photos of national, cultural, political, and artistic events.  Sidibé graduated from Maison des Artisans Soudanais with a degree in jewelry making in 1955.