My Palette Is a Bridge to the Unseen People often ask me why I choose certain colors again and again —the deep blues, the warm earth tones, the vibrant greens, the surreal golds. The truth is:I paint with memories, not just pigments. Growing up in Senegal, colors were never just colors.They were stories.They were rhythms.They […]
The Silence That Watches Back Owls fascinate me because they carry an entire world in their silence.Their stillness is not stillness — it’s awareness, intention, patience. When I started this painting, I wanted to capture that quiet intensity.Not the owl itself, but the feeling of being watched by something that understands more than it reveals. […]
Reflections from the making of my buffalo oil painting When I began this piece, I wasn’t thinking of buffaloes at all.I was thinking of movement — the kind that feels ancient, instinctive, almost spiritual. I remembered a moment from my childhood in Senegal:watching animals thunder toward the river at dusk, their silhouettes trembling in the […]
Bassy Diakité (b. December 4, 1991) is a visual
artist whose path has been shaped by passion, discipline, and versatility. From an early age, he
found in art a profound means of expression and self-discovery.
His early education in Khare Yalla and Médina Mbao Gare Keur Mbaye Fall laid the foundations of his
learning, which was further developed at Cem de Mbao and consolidated at the Lycée de Mbao, where he
obtained his baccalaureate. This period nurtured his critical thinking and intellectual curiosity,
essential qualities for his artistic career.
Determined to pursue his vocation, Bassy enrolled at the Taggat School of Arts, where he refined his
skills in painting while also exploring photography, computer graphics, and audiovisual arts. Upon
graduation, he earned a diploma that reflected his multidisciplinary training and commitment to
artistic excellence.
His talent was quickly acknowledged. In 2015, during his first year of studies, he won the first prize
from OFNAC, a distinction that strengthened his confidence and expanded his opportunities. That same
year, he participated in the OFF à la TOTALE Biennale, an important event that brought his work to a
wider audience and allowed him to connect with other renowned artists.
Today, Bassy works as an independent visual artist, developing a practice that encompasses painting,
sculpture, photography, installation, and audiovisual art. This diversity has shaped a distinctive style
and enriched his creative perspective.
Beyond his artistic practice, Bassy is deeply committed to art education. He believes that art is a
powerful tool for self-expression and social transformation. Through workshops and educational
initiatives, he seeks to inspire young people and encourage them to explore their creative
potential.
With regular participation in exhibitions and cultural events, Bassy continues to expand the boundaries
of his creativity, establishing himself as an authentic voice in the contemporary art scene. His journey
stands as a testament to how passion, perseverance, and dedication can transform artistic dreams into
reality.
“Bassy’s paintings feel alive. The way he captures light, movement and emotion makes every piece feel like a memory I didn’t know I had.”
“There is something deeply spiritual in his work. The buffalo painting hangs in my living room and every day it reminds me of strength, freedom and the beauty of nature.”
“Bassy doesn’t just paint what he sees — he paints what he feels. His use of color and texture creates a surreal world that stays with you long after you’ve left the gallery.”