Daouda Traoré

Sikasso, Mali

Daouda Traoré, born on May 25, 1987, in Abidjan (Ivory Coast), embarked on a creative journey that led him to graduate in Plastic Arts from the National Institute of Arts (INA) of Bamako. His dedication to his craft was evident as he emerged as the top student of the 2013 class at the Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers MultiMédia Balla Fasseké KOUYATE. As a teacher of plastic arts at Sikasso's public high school, Daouda draws inspiration from the daily lives of his students. Exploring their identities mirrors his own, shaping a universe he describes as "his unreadable poems." This unique expression of spontaneity transcends conventional aesthetic norms. Daouda's choice of materials is deeply intertwined with his surroundings. Utilizing textiles, discarded sheets, tin cans, millet bags, wool strings, and iron wires found in his environment, he employs a diverse range of techniques to transform these elements. The outcome is a tapestry of unexpected textures that breathe life into his characters and everyday scenes, often dominated by ocher tones reminiscent of the Sahel's lateritic soil. In his works, Daouda subtly incorporates a scattering of letters, forming his unreadable poems. These compositions carry a profound message advocating for education, the transmission of knowledge, and the values guiding him as both an artist and an educator amidst the tumultuous backdrop of Mali. His paintings serve as reflective mirrors of his own existence, the communal experiences of his people, and the overlooked landscapes of Mali. They navigate the delicate balance between doubt and hope, resonating with both personal introspection and a broader sense of collective aspiration.

“My paintings serve as reflective mirrors of my own existence, the communal experiences of my people, and the overlooked landscapes of Mali. They navigate the delicate balance between doubt and hope, resonating with both personal introspection and a broader sense of collective aspiration.”