The Spirit of Niger Told Through Its Flowing Sands
Architect Mariam Kamara outlines the influence a mysterious artwork has had on her
Niamey SandDesign Indaba
The symbolism of sand told by a stranger
For architect Mariam Kamara, the indefinable colours of the Niger sand is a powerful symbol of her home country. An artwork by an unknown artist, which hangs in her office, is a beautiful reminder of growing up in Niger.
Portrait of architect Mariam KamaraOriginal Source: Design Indaba
Who is Mariam Kamara?
Mariam Issoufou Kamara is an architect from Niger who studied architecture at the University of Washington. In 2014, she founded atelier masōmī, an architecture and research practice with offices in Niger’s capital, Niamey. The firm tackles public, cultural, residential, commercial and urban design projects. Kamara believes that architects have an important role to play in creating spaces that have the power to elevate, dignify, and provide people with a better quality of life.
Mariam Kamara and the ever-present beauty of sand
Mariam describes her realtionship to the varying hues found in the Niger sand and the ways in which they are reflected in a painting which strongly resonates with her.
Niamey SandDesign Indaba
Speaking of growing up in Niger, Mariam states 'Niger is a desert country so the colour of the sand – from light beige and all the way to redish yellows – has been the most prevalent in all aspects of my life.'
''Sand is everywhere. In the desert areas where I grew up as well as in urban cities like Niamey, where my architecture practice is located. The colour of Niger’s sand has been part of every aspect of my lived experience, from my childhood to my practice of architecture, the sand finds its way into everything. It is not unusual to find even concrete taking on a slight sand colour.'' — Mariam Kamara
When Mariam moved into the building from where she now runs her firm, she discovered a painting made from sand. The painting, although in a bad state, strongly evoked the spirit of Niger and she purchsed it from the building's owner and had it restored.
Mariam explains her love of the work: ''The painting has come to symbolize my approach to architecture. It is not about working with big names on big projects, but really about capturing the essence of a project, no matter how big or small it is. We want it to have a meaning for the people we build it for.''
Over the years Mariam has tried to find the name of the artist, but could not. All that is known is that the painting probably dates from somewhere in the 60s or 70s.
If you recognize this work and are the artist, or know of them – then please contact us and we will let Mariam Kamara know that her search for its creator is over. We would love to credit the piece correctly and celebrate the artist that made it.
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