Malick Sidibe, ‘Regardez-moi’ at Jack Shainman Gallery

Known for picturing the people of Mali as the country emerged from the colonial era into independence in the mid-20th century, Malick Sidibe’s black and white portraits at Jack Shainman Gallery record the leisure activities and self-styling of his photo studio customers.  In a collaboration with local Malian artists, Sidibe selected painted glass frames that enhanced his portraiture.  Here, Mali’s tricolor flag and similarly colored flowers adds a lively, decorative note to a handsome portrait. (On view in Chelsea through May 31st.)

Malick Sidibe, Untitled, signed and dated on verso, vintage silver gelatin print, glass, paint, cardboard, string, wood frame, 14 x 10 ¾ inches (image), 1984.

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