Malick Sidibé: Iconic portraits of African youth culture
- Text by HUCK HQ
- Photography by Malick Sidibe

Malick Sidibé – nicknamed “the eye of Bamako” – is one of Africa’s most beloved portrait photographers. Working across the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, he shot black and white studies of youth culture; unveiling an exciting, exuberant side to his hometown of Bamako in Mali.
Now, coming just over a year after his death in April 2016, the legendary photographer is being celebrated with a new show at Paris’ Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain. Titled Mali Twist, it promises to be the largest ever exhibition of Sidibé’s work, with over 300 images and 30 never-before-seen studio portraits set to go on display.
“The photographs reveal Malick Sidibé’s capacity, starting at the beginning of the 1960s, to grasp the vitality of the youth of Bamako and impose his unique style, recognised today throughout the world,” explains a spokesperson for the show. It’s set to run at the Paris institution until February 25 next year.
An accompanying book of the same name is also available; packed with lavish examples of his studio portraits and party shots. His lesser known work – such as his outdoor photography set around local villages and the Niger River – is also featured.

Un yéyé en position, 1963. Collection Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris
© Malick Sidibé
Extract from Mali Twist (Éditions Xavier Barral, Fondation
Cartier pour l’art contemporain, 2017)

Mon chapeau et pattes d’éléphant, 1974. Collection Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris
© Malick Sidibé
Extract from Mali Twist (Éditions Xavier Barral, Fondation
Cartier pour l’art contemporain, 2017)

Les amis dans la même tenue, 1972. Collection Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris
© Malick Sidibé
Extract from Mali Twist (Éditions Xavier Barral, Fondation
Cartier pour l’art contemporain, 2017)

Un gentleman en position, 1980. Collection Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris
© Malick Sidibé
Extract from Mali Twist (Éditions Xavier Barral, Fondation
Cartier pour l’art contemporain, 2017)

Circa 1972. Collection Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris
© Malick Sidibé
Extract from Mali Twist (Éditions Xavier Barral, Fondation
Cartier pour l’art contemporain, 2017)

Nuit de Noël, 1963. Collection Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris
© Malick Sidibé
Extract from Mali Twist (Éditions Xavier Barral, Fondation
Cartier pour l’art contemporain, 2017)

1973. Collection Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris
© Malick Sidibé
Extract from Mali Twist (Éditions Xavier Barral, Fondation
Cartier pour l’art contemporain, 2017)

Fans de James Brown, 1965.
Collection Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris
© Malick Sidibé
Extract from Mali Twist (Éditions Xavier Barral, Fondation
Cartier pour l’art contemporain, 2017)

1968. Collection Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris
© Malick Sidibé
Extract from Mali Twist (Éditions Xavier Barral, Fondation
Cartier pour l’art contemporain, 2017)

Danser le twist, 1965. Collection Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris
© Malick Sidibé
Extract from Mali Twist (Éditions Xavier Barral, Fondation
Cartier pour l’art contemporain, 2017)

À la plage, 1974. Collection Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris
© Malick Sidibé
Extract from Mali Twist (Éditions Xavier Barral, Fondation
Cartier pour l’art contemporain, 2017)
Malick Sidibe: Mali Twist is available now, and the accompanying exhibition is on show at Fondation Cartier from 20 October-25 February, 2018.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
Meet the hair-raised radical women of Berlin’s noise punk scene
Powertool — In his new zine, George Nebieridze captures moments of loud rage and quiet intimacy within the German capital’s female-only bands, while exploring the intersections between music, community and anti-establishment politics.
Written by: Miss Rosen

Amid tensions in Eastern Europe, young Latvians are reviving their country’s folk rhythms
Spaces Between the Beats — The Baltic nation’s ancient melodies have long been a symbol of resistance, but as Russia’s war with Ukraine rages on, new generations of singers and dancers are taking them to the mainstream.
Written by: Jack Styler

Uwade: “I was determined to transcend popular opinion”
What Made Me — In this series, we ask artists and rebels about the about the forces and experiences that shaped who they are. Today, it’s Nigerian-born, South Carolina-raised indie-soul singer Uwade.
Written by: Uwade

Inside the obscured, closeted habitats of Britain’s exotic pets
“I have a few animals...” — For his new series, photographer Jonty Clark went behind closed doors to meet rare animal owners, finding ethical grey areas and close bonds.
Written by: Hannah Bentley

Frazer Clarke: “I had a hole in my leg, I’m very lucky to be alive”
Hard Feelings — For our interview column on masculinity and fatherhood, the Olympic boxing medallist speaks to Robert Kazandjian about hard graft, the fear and triumph of his first fight, and returning to the ring after being stabbed on a night out.
Written by: Robert Kazandjian

Remembering Holly Woodlawn, Andy Warhol muse and trans trailblazer
Love You Madly — A new book explores the actress’s rollercoaster life and story, who helped inspire Lou Reed’s ‘Walk on the Wild Side’.
Written by: Miss Rosen