Mama Famata: Painting Everyday Life

Mama Famata, a Bozo painter born in Koulesé, Mali, renders artworks of the world in colour

Water and Sand (2019) by Salif Romano NiangTimbuktu Renaissance

An ethnic minority, the Bozo people founded the cities of Djenné and Mopti and became known as the “masters of the river” by settling the banks of the Niger River in the 10th century.

Djama (2018) by Mama FamataTimbuktu Renaissance

Fishermen par excellence, the Bozo were also the logisticians and transporters for herders and farmers on both banks of West Africa’s most important river.

Suguba Montoro (2018) by Mama FamataTimbuktu Renaissance

Between 500 and 600 of his works have already reached Europe. However, Mama has yet to benefit from this. The simplicity of his paintings are undermined by nuance and details inspired by his singular vision and curious mind, especially when it comes to technology and concepts foreign to life the Bozo.

Kambou (2018) by Mama FamataTimbuktu Renaissance

Necessities and Pleasures

Autodidact, Mama’s works are influenced by the river and his time spent fishing and digging for sand at the bottom of the river to survive.

Manaminkoumbe (2018) by Mama FamataTimbuktu Renaissance

In addition, his paintings often reflect his community’s culture...

Pourounpouroun (2018) by Mama FamataTimbuktu Renaissance

...environment...

Kanadjou (2018) by Mama FamataTimbuktu Renaissance

...basic necessities...

Suguba Montoro (2018) by Mama FamataTimbuktu Renaissance

Barada (2018) by Mama FamataTimbuktu Renaissance

...and simple pleasures.

Tabankorou (2018) by Mama FamataTimbuktu Renaissance

Mayito (2018) by Mama FamataTimbuktu Renaissance

Credits: Story

Anicét Kibarou Déna
Mama Famata
Nicolas Réméné

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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