DakartNews recently had the privilege of visiting renowned Senegalese artist Seyni Awa Camara at her home in Maguilene, a neighborhood in Bignona, Casamance, in the south of Senegal.
Seyni warmly welcomes us, surrounded by her stunning creations. When asked which of her works she prefers, she pauses, reflects, and then points with a smile to a terracotta sculpture about 80 cm tall: a kneeling pregnant woman carrying a water jar on her head.
With a look of pride, she explains her choice: “This woman represents the African woman.” A powerful symbol of life, resilience, and the responsibilities carried by women, beautifully embodied in her work.
Seyni Awa Camara is a legendary figure in contemporary African art, celebrated for her powerful and enigmatic terracotta sculptures. Her work, deeply rooted in ancestral traditions, depicts human and animal figures intertwined in complex narratives, often exploring themes of fertility, motherhood, and the spiritual connection between humans and nature.
Seyni Awa Camara’s unique artistic language has earned her recognition on the international stage. Her sculptures have been showcased in prestigious institutions and international biennales, from the Dakar Biennale (Dak’Art) to major exhibitions in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, and the United States. Her work has been collected by renowned museums, including the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris, and featured in groundbreaking exhibitions that celebrate African creativity on a global scale.
These photographs showcase the unique atmosphere of her home and studio, where she continues to shape clay into timeless stories.
Bridging Africa and The World Through Contemporary Art 
Leave a comment