The highly anticipated Rencontres de Bamako, also known as the Bamako Encounters, will once again take center stage as the continent’s largest photography biennale. Set in Bamako, Mali, the 14th edition, themed “Kuma”(meaning “word” or “speech” in Bambara), will feature the works of 30 selected photographers from across Africa and will take place from November 16, 2024 – January 15, 2025. It will highlight the role of photography in storytelling, cultural expression, and the articulation of identity, memory, and contemporary African narratives.
Since its inception in 1994, Rencontres de Bamako has become one of Africa’s most important platforms for contemporary photography. The biennale provides a critical space for African photographers to engage with themes that resonate on both local and global levels. Over the years, it has become a venue for exploring the transformative power of visual culture, using photography as a tool for social commentary and historical reflection.
This year’s edition continues the biennale’s tradition of amplifying African voices through visual media. The “Kuma”theme will focus on the intersections of language, image, and history, and how African photographers use their art to challenge stereotypes, document realities, and foster dialogue on social and political issues.
The 30 participating photographers for this edition were selected based on their ability to reflect on diverse aspects of African life, culture, and history. These artists come from various African countries and diasporas, offering a wide range of perspectives on identity, community, and the power of images. The organizers of the biennale aim to create a dynamic space where visual arts and verbal expression intersect, offering audiences an opportunity to engage with photography not just as a static medium but as an active participant in the exchange of ideas and experiences.
Beyond its artistic significance, Rencontres de Bamako plays a critical role in cultural diplomacy. The event attracts international curators, collectors, and art lovers, creating a global dialogue around African photography and visual culture. By facilitating connections between African artists and the international art world, the biennale contributes to the growing recognition of African contemporary art on the global stage.
Rencontres de Bamako 2024 promises to be a rich and impactful event, continuing the biennale’s legacy of celebrating African photography as a vital medium of cultural expression. With its powerful theme of “Kuma,” the biennale will bring together diverse voices to explore the intersections of history, identity, and communication through the lens of African photographers. As it has for the past 30 years, the Bamako Encounters will once again challenge perceptions, inspire dialogue, and elevate the work of African photographers on the world stage.
