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Entrée to Black Paris Blog

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Tuesday, May 7th, 2024

Art and Food Pairing: African Photography at Studio Art-Z

Façade at Studio Art-Z
© Entrée to Black Paris

I wrote an article about Galerie Art-Z back in 2017, when the space it currently occupies at 27, rue Keller in the 11th arrondissement was operated by Dorothy Polley of Dorothy's Gallery:

Galerie Art-Z - Contemporary African Art at Dorothy's Gallery

When Polley moved to Saint Malo, Art-Z director Olivier Sultan assumed control of the gallery space in a continuation of the 25 years of work he has undertaken to promote contemporary African artists.

From the heart of a lively district about 10 minutes' walk from Bastille, he has not ceased to organize exhibitions for just under 60 of these artists whose creations range from paintings to sculptures to photographs.

Last week, Sultan opened an expansion of the gallery in a building just one door down from Number 27. Studio Art-Z is now open at 29, rue Keller with an inaugural exhibition entitled Regardez-Moi ! - Le studio photo dans l'Afrique des années 1960-70 (Look at Me! Studio Photos in Africa from 1960-70).

Regardez Moi ! sandwich board
© Entrée to Black Paris

Five artists are featured in this show, which is being exhibited at both addresses.

The works of Sanlé Sory (Burkina Faso) are the first ones visitors will encounter as they enter Number 29. They line the entire wall on the left side and half of the back wall of the room.

Left wall at 29, rue Keller
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Self-portrait of Sanlé Sory
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Along the right side of the back wall and the rear of the right wall of the room, works by Mory Bamba (Mali) are displayed.

Works by Mory Bamba
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A brick pillar graces the center of the room at Number 27. Sultan has erected a partition behind it to create exhibition space for additional photographic works.

Brick pillar at 29, rue Keller
© Entrée to Black Paris

At a table on the left side of the partition, multiple small single edition photos by master photographer Malick Sidibé (Mali) are displayed. The partition wall on this side of the room bears works by Oumar Ly (Senegal).

Works by Malick Sidibé and Oumar Ly
© Entrée to Black Paris

Works by the other master photographer of Africa, Seydou Keïta (Mali), can be found on the opposite side of the partition. Visitors will find multiple books and programs that provide perspective on the photography industry in Africa on a table beneath Keïta's works.

Works by Seydou Keïta
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The front right side of the room contains a large desk with shelving behind it. Art-Z has made numerous publications and fliers available for sale there.

Desk at 29, rue Keller
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Photo of Malick Sidibé and Olivier Sultan
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After getting your fill of the photographs at Number 29, mosey down to Number 27 to see the rest of the exhibition.

Sanlé Sory's Jumelles yoruba outside 27, rue Keller
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There are multiple rooms at this address, and the walls of each of them are filled with B&W photos.

Front room at 27, rue Keller
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Sculptures punctuate the exhibition space.

A wonderful photo studio is set up in the back room. During the opening on May 4, period music played in this space throughout the evening, and visitors enjoyed wine and snacks there.

Regardez-Moi ! will be shown through June 29, 2024.

For more information, contact Olivier Sultan at oliviersultan75@gmail.com or 06 63 24 42 22.

GALERIE ART-Z
27 & 29 rue Keller
75011 Paris
Métro : Bastille (Lines 1, 5, and 8), Bréguet Sabin (Line 5), Ledru Rollin (Line 8), and Voltaire (Line 9)

FOOD PAIRING:

When I left the exhibition opening, I walked another 10 minutes to A La Banane Ivoirienne to have dinner.

Come back next week to read the review of this dining establishment!