Djibril Coulibaly’s works are distinguished by their dynamic and captivating movements. Rich in colors and textures, they create intriguing compositions where fingerprints intertwine to form complex patterns. These artworks suggest subtle and sometimes tumultuous interactions between different forces. Dakartnews met him in his studio in Mbao, a suburb located 20 km from Dakar.
Djibril Coulibaly was born in 1996, Dakar and raised in the illustrious Medina neighborhood that bordered with Soumbedioune craft village where he visited while still young. This would have a profound impact on his artistic sense.
His creativity started expressing itself at eight years old when he began sketching in his notebooks using a pencil or pen, drawing inspiration from societal happenings and his strong spirituality. In middle school, people began noticing his talent because of several wins in drawing contests and eventually, Djibril joined École des Beaux-Arts de Dakar upon a recommendation by his art teacher.
Artistic Evolution
Several years later after this advice, Djibril signed up for evening classes at the École des Beaux-Arts de Dakar; also he pursued Graphic and Digital Arts at Virtual University of Senegal. He graduated from the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts de Dakar in 2023.
In the beginning, Djibril’s focus was on figuration whereby he painted personalities as well as religious dignitaries especially those belonging to Mouride Brotherhood which is based in Senegal where he comes from too. It was during an encounter with the Caliph of Mouride brotherhood in 2021 that marked a milestone for him through an enriched spiritualism and intense self-examination.
Despite being fascinated by the works of artists such as Boubou Design, Kalidou Kassé in Senegal, as well as Picasso and Leonardo Da Vinci, Djibril was always in search of what would differentiate his art. This quest for uniqueness led him to explore various artistic techniques and themes, continually pushing the boundaries of his creative expression. Throughout his artistic journey, Djibril Coulibaly has drawn inspiration from societal issues and events unfolding around him, infusing his works with poignant reflections on human dynamics and the broader societal fabric.
My works are not meant to be looked at, but to be meditated upon.
His profound spirituality also plays a crucial role in shaping his artistic vision. In 2024, after meditating on Surah Al-Jathiyah, which speaks of God’s signs in creation and the alternation of day and night, he had a revelation. As he describes it: “I wondered if these signs were within ourselves or if they were signs found in nature. I asked myself many questions. And one day, I looked at my fingers and found a whirlwind of signs. So, I placed my finger on a paper and saw all these signs. I realized I had the answer to my meditation and quest.”
Embracing Singularity and Common Essence
Contemplating his fingers, he discovered a natural and universal pattern in his fingerprints, symbolizing both the uniqueness and universality of the human experience.
His paintings on family, migration, love, and couples reflect a keen sensitivity to these fundamental dynamics, drawing from his observations of societal issues and his deep spiritual insights. By exploring these subjects, he delves into the essence of humanity, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. Djibril also questions otherness, thinking beyond superficial differences to grasp what constitutes our common essence. As he describes it: “I have observed nature a lot, I cut leaves to see what was inside. I broke stones to see their content.”
His fascination with fingerprints symbolizes this quest for universality: each individual has unique prints, but this singularity also reveals our universal interconnectedness. By highlighting this common peculiarity, Djibril reveals a profound truth about humanity – we are both unique and inexorably linked. His artworks thus become visual meditations on identity, connection, and the universality of the human experience, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexity and beauty of our shared existence. Through his art, Djibril seeks not only to be seen but to be felt, inviting deep introspection where each fingerprint becomes a symbol of human uniqueness and universal spiritual connection. “My works are not meant to be looked at, but to be meditated upon“, he says.
Djibril’s Creative Process
Djibril Coulibaly begins his artistic process with meticulous chalk sketches. These initial sketches allow him to capture the essence and form of his characters with meticulous precision. Using chalk, he outlines the contours and subtle nuances of his compositions, laying the foundation for his works where each line and shape is carefully considered.
Once the sketches are complete, Djibril moves on to the painting phase. He employs various techniques to apply colors, seeking to capture not only visual beauty but also the emotion and spiritual depth of his subjects. The nuances of colors play a crucial role in creating specific atmospheres and feelings, enriching the visual narrative of his paintings.
The integration of fingerprints as a central motif in his art is a significant step in his creative process. These fingerprints become symbolic elements that enrich the composition, adding an additional dimension to his works.
Exhibitions
2022: DAKART’OFF Collective Exhibition at Amnesty International
2022: Winner of the National Drawing Competition organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Senegal
2020: Collective Exhibition at the African Memory Square in Dakar
2022: Collective Exhibition at the Virtual University of Senegal
2022: Collective Exhibition at the Magal Fair of Mouride Entrepreneurs
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