The Brooklyn Museum is presenting "Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens," the most comprehensive North American exhibition of the pioneering Malian photographer's work to date. The groundbreaking exhibition offers visitors an unprecedented look into the studio and artistic world of Keïta, who masterfully captured the vibrant cosmopolitanism of Bamako during a period of tremendous political and social transformation in West Africa.
The exhibition celebrates the remarkable artistry and enduring legacy of Seydou Keïta (Malian, ca. 1921-2001), who documented one of the most critical chapters in West African history. His work chronicled an era filled with immense hope, both politically and socially, during a time defined by a rapidly expanding modern world and the emergence of a new Bamakois identity. Through his lens, Keïta captured the aspirations and dreams of a society on the brink of independence.
The exhibition features an impressive collection of nearly 275 works that provide a comprehensive view of Keïta's artistic output. The display includes his renowned portraits, rare photographs, and never-before-seen negatives that offer fresh insights into his creative process. Beyond photographs, the exhibition also showcases textiles, jewelry, dresses, and personal items that fully immerse visitors in Keïta's rich photographic landscape, allowing them to experience the tactile qualities that made his work so distinctive.
Keïta was born around 1921 to a Malinke family in Bamako-Coura, also known as New Bamako, which was a growing colonial commercial center within the historic Malian city. His childhood coincided with emerging liberation struggles across the African continent and growing expressions of modernism as Bamako served first as the capital of French Soudan and later as the capital of newly independent Mali in 1960. This unique historical context profoundly influenced his artistic vision and subject matter.
The photographer documented Malian society from the late 1940s to the early 1960s, capturing an era marked by transformation and aspirations for independent statehood. As a master of lighting and composition, Keïta possessed a unique ability to capture the tactile qualities of his subjects, from their fashion choices and accessories to the personality and self-presentation they brought to each session. Working in close collaboration with his subjects, he carefully sculpted their poses, clothing, and style, creating what can be described as monuments to their individual selfhood.
When Keïta's images first reached Western audiences in the early 1990s, they drew unprecedented attention across multiple fields including art, music, fashion, design, and popular media. This international recognition forever changed the global cultural landscape and brought new appreciation for African photography and artistic expression. The impact of his work extended far beyond the art world, influencing contemporary discussions about identity, representation, and cultural exchange.
Today, Keïta's bold and engaging portraits continue to invite viewers into direct dialogue with his subjects, creating a bridge between past and present. The photographs maintain their power to captivate audiences and spark conversations about African identity, modernization, and the universal human desire for self-expression and dignity.
"Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens" is organized by guest curator Catherine E. McKinley in collaboration with Imani Williford, Curatorial Assistant for Photography, Fashion, and Material Culture at the Brooklyn Museum. The exhibition runs from October 10, 2025, through March 8, 2026, at the Brooklyn Museum, located at 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11238. Additional information about the exhibition and related programming can be found at www.brooklynmuseum.org.
