Malick Sidibé

Born c. 1935, in Mali – Died 2016, in Bamako, Mali

“I believe that photography is the best way of living on a long time after death. All artists want their work to carry on. It’s human nature to want recognition for what you do. Customers also want their name to be imperishable. The photos of them will remain long after they are gone, with family or friends. The most authentic thing is the face. Humans tried to imitate God through drawing, then they invented photography, which to my mind is best suited to immortalize somebody’s image. Nobody has invented anything better. I believe in the power of the image. That’s why I put my heart and soul into making my subjects look the best they possibly can.”

Malick Sidibé by André Magnin, Editions Scalo, 1998.