Paul-Gordon Chandler, known internationally for using the arts to build bridges, returned to Senegal — where he spent the first 18 years of his life — to facilitate an artistic encounter of intercultural dialogue. Held in association with the celebrated Dakar Contemporary Art Biennale, also known as Dak’Art, November 7 – December 7, 2024, the exhibition “Symbols of Life: Beyond Perception” explored the intersection of spirituality and artistic expression.
In partnership with DakArtNews, the exhibition featured the works of two noted West African contemporary artists, Tidiane Ndongo from Mali and Djibril Coulibaly from Senegal, both known for their distinct styles.
Held at Hotel Le Djoloff, an art boutique hotel in Dakar, “Symbols of Life: Beyond Perception” showcased Tidiane Ndongo and Djibril Coulibaly’s unique ability to explore universally spiritual themes through symbolic artistry.
By bringing together these two artists, the exhibition embodied cross-cultural dialogue and encouraged viewers to contemplate the transcendent dimension of humanity through the lens of African Sufi and indigenous traditions. Curated by Rémy Mallet, the founder of DakArtNews, the exhibition was, in effect, an invitation to explore transcendent realities through the expressive lens of art, providing viewers with a profound sensory journey that spoke directly to the spirit.
Tidiane Ndongo
Tidiane Ndongo was born in 1970 in Bamako, Mali. He is a master of the traditional Bogolan or “mud cloth,” an indigenous Malian cultural technique that uses clay, plants, roots, and handmade Malian cotton fabric.
For Ndongo, the Bogolan technique isn’t just a craft but a gateway into Mali’s rich history and spiritual heritage. Ndongo also draws inspiration from Malian myths and mysticism, exploring themes of divinity and the interconnectedness of all beings. This inspiration helped him develop his personal art style, “Dogodogoni,” which translates as “labyrinth” in the Bamana language.
His “Dogodogoni” technique uses geometric patterns to symbolize histories, traditions, and cultures, letting Ndongo weave in themes of change, reflection, and adaptation. Ndongo also blends text into many of his images, often inspired by sacred writings.
Djibril Coulibaly
Born in Dakar, Senegal, in 1996, Djibril Coulibaly roots much of his artistic practice in his Sufi spirituality, honoring signs for the Divine in creation. After spending years searching for a personal imprint, Coulibaly discovered a dynamic art style that plays off universal patterns: fingerprints.
Much of Coulibaly’s work mimics fingerprints’ natural swirls, which create captivating patterns and scenes. Each fingerprint symbolizes identity, human uniqueness, and universal connection.
Coulibaly’s artistry is grounded in the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Senegal and his own background as a member of the Mouride Sufi brotherhood. According to Coulibaly, his paintings are meant to be meditated upon rather than merely looked at.
Paul G. Chandler
Rev. Canon Paul-Gordon Chandler is the President and Founder of CARAVAN Arts, an international arts nonprofit that uses art to foster peace between diverse peoples, cultures, and faith traditions. He is also the author of In Search of a Prophet: A Spiritual Journey with Kahlil Gibran and Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road: Exploring a New Path Between Two Faiths.
With his deep understanding of faith and art, Chandler is known for curating exhibitions that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. In this way, “Symbols of Life: Beyond Perception” celebrates Ndongo and Coulibaly’s creativity and also exemplifies Chandler’s vision of art as a bridge-building catalyst for peace and understanding.
View the Artwork
The “Symbols of Life” exhibition is a powerful reminder of art’s ability to connect us to something larger than ourselves. It can spark conversation, foster empathy across cultures, and connect us to the transcendent within and around us all.
Reflecting Chandler’s vision, “Symbols of Life: Beyond Perception” offered a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human experience and the shared pursuit of our common humanity, which can serve to unite us.
To see the artwork in the exhibition, visit CARAVAN’s website.
