Art Galleries
Today, Dakar is also renowned for its art galleries and exhibition spaces, often internationally acclaimed for the high quality of the works on display. Some are located in places that are emblematic of Dakar's architectural history, such as the Selebe Yoon gallery in a building erected in 1952 for what was to be the first French department store in West Africa.
Others are housed in downtown apartments, and still others in villas, like collector Oumar Sow, who welcomes artists in residence to his villa in Pointe-Sarène, 100 kilometers from Dakar. For some, the aim is also to make art accessible to as many people as possible, including children.
Discover Art Galleries in Dakar
The political and economic capital of Senegal, Dakar has also become the country's artistic and cultural center. Today, Dakar is home to internationally renowned artists as well as those whose work is still confidential. Creativity, the artistic heart of the country and beyond, beats here.
Painting, sculpture, design, installation, photography, urban art... everything Senegal has to offer is on display in Dakar's many art galleries, which give pride of place to the local inspiration of artists drawing on their history and age-old traditions. This dynamism began at the time of Senegal's independence in the 1960s-1970s with the L'École de Dakar movement, led by sculptor Seni Awa Camara.
Your stay at the Terrou-Bi hotel in Dakar is the ideal opportunity to discover this living heritage, these works teeming with life, materials, colours and meaning. The hotel team will help you organize your visit to the various private contemporary art galleries and other permanent or temporary exhibition venues. Dakar is one of Africa's major cultural scenes and is recognized worldwide.
The Dakar Biennale
A key event in Dakar's artistic calendar, the Biennale has been held every even-numbered year since 1990. Its mission is to promote Africa's modern cultural heritage. After a first edition devoted to literature, the Biennale resolutely turned its attention to the visual arts. Since then, a number of artists have come to the fore, bringing contemporary art from West Africa to the limelight.
The oldest event of its kind in Africa, the Dakar Biennale is a pioneer in the promotion of contemporary art on the African continent. It has become a place of exchange, encounter and reflection, where artists, collectives and creators from the four corners of the globe rub shoulders. In addition to the international selection, the Biennale offers an Off, a series of fringe exhibitions featuring local and foreign artists. Regions beyond Dakar, such as Thiès, Ziguinchor, Mbour, St-Louis and Kaolack, now offer Off.
Also known as Dak'Art since 1996, the Dakar Biennale is a major contemporary art event that you can attend during a stay at the luxury Terrou-Bi hotel. Dakar has become a hub for Senegalese and West African creativity.
Contemporary African art galleries in Dakar
Contemporary art and design galleries in Dakar: since the late 1990s, private galleries and exhibition spaces with residencies have proliferated. Each space has its own history, its own artists and its own artistic affinities, creating an abundance of culture and creativity.
During your stay in Dakar, take the time to stroll around the capital and discover them.
Historical galleries:
- Galerie Atiss founded by Aïssa Dione (1996)
- Galerie Arte founded by Joëlle le Bussy (1996): one of the first in Dakar
- Galerie Kemboury
Recent galleries:
- OH Gallery (2018): exhibits contemporary African and international artists who look to Africa to build bridges. The young gallery works with 14 artists, including Senegalese artist Aliou Diack, Ivorian artist Ange-Martial Méné, Cameroonian artist Hako Hankson, Moroccan artist Amina Benbouchta and Togolese artist Félicité Codjo.
- Galerie Cécile Fakhoury (2018): a reference for contemporary African art, with exhibitions in various media, including sculpture, video and painting.
- Galerie Selebe Yoon (2020): exhibition and residency
Hybrid galleries:
- Studio 1408 (2020): a showcase for design, contemporary art and craftsmanship
- Loman Art: created in 2011, this is a workshop, exhibition space, guest house, restaurant and boutique all rolled into one, with Rama Diaw, a Saint-Louis-based fashion designer and stylist.
