Art Talks! Hamdia Traoré’s “Des marabouts de Djenné”

Join the Block Museum Student Associates in our galleries for a close look at one or two works on view in Hamdia Traoré’s “Des marabouts de Djenné” and Muslim Portraiture in Mali. The exhibition offers perspectives on the storied city of Jenne, a center of Islamic learning, study, and scholarship since the twelfth century, and the hometown of Bamako-based photographer Hamdia Traoré (b. 1992, Mali). Learned and devout, marabouts teach in Jenne’s over 50 Qur’anic schools, offer spiritual guidance, and treat ailments through their knowledge of the Qur’an. Made during a time of political and social upheaval in Mali, the thirty portraits in Traore’s series reflect enduring cultural resilience, and his intimate connections to the city’s people and deep history.

Block Museum Student Associates (BMSAs) are Northwestern undergraduates representing interdisciplinary fields of study from across the university. In the galleries, BMSAs extend welcome to our exhibitions and permanent collection and engage visitors in conversations about artworks that spark their curiosity.

Participation level – medium, participants are encouraged to respectfully share their own perspectives, thoughts, and questions throughout the Art Talk.

Programs are open to all, on a first-come first-served basis. RSVPs not required, but appreciated.