Seydou Keïta's is a Malian self taught photographer whose sharp black and white portraits are known as capturing the essence of colonial Bamako, Mali. From the 1930's to 1960's, his signature set up was in juxtaposing a myriad of patterned fabrics which in turn, exemplified the new sense of self emerging within the Bamako people who were being faced with an influx of French culture. The camera seemed to flatten the patterned fabrics and as a result, the beautiful features of Bamako people appear in an extraordinarily striking way. Though undeniably African, elements of European influence can be observed in the attire of the subjects who insisted on radiating Malian beauty and elegance in each photo.
Seydou Keïta's primary goal in his portraiture was customer satisfaction and ironically he never really thought of himself as an artist. Again, he was self taught. With no access to the many publications of the world or access to view the work of foreign photographers, Seydou carried out his vision and refined his skill over the years.
It took decades before the negatives of Seydou Keïta's work to be discovered . The New York Times, described Seydou Keïta as "the man who brought renewed vitality to the art of photographic portraiture." Today, his contributions to the arts are recognized throughout the art world and his portraits have sold for up to $16,000.
Remember....Seydou Keïta was ordinary man who started with a camera his uncle bought for him. He turned his home into a studio. He used natural light and bed sheets as backdrops to shoot his subjects. He himself admitted he was not very good at first yet, he was dedicated to perfecting his craft. Whatever your craft may be never give up on it, persevere and realize your dreams require much more hard work, time, and patience than anything else. Look back, learn, and apply.
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