Tidiane Ndongo, born in 1970 in Bamako, Mali, is an artist who has maste­red the traditional Bogolan (mudcloth) technique. In 1994, he learned this art form under Youssouf Sidibé Nelly in Bamako-Coura, a lively neighborhood in Mali’s capi­tal. Bogolan, a technique using clay, plants, and roots, became more than just a craft for Tidiane - it was a gateway to Mali’s rich heritage.

 

Tidiane’s work is deeply influenced by the research of the late Youssouf Tata Cissé, a renowned scholar of Malian myths and legends. Inspired by Cissé, Tidiane developed his own style, Dogodogoni, meaning “labyrinth” in Bambara. His geometric patterns repre­sent more than visual elements; they conceal histories, traditions, and the complexity of civilization. For Tidiane, Dogodogoni is like a chameleon, symbolizing change, reflection, and adaptation. A lover of sacred texts, Tidiane often incorporates writings into his canvases, blending word and image. His guiding principle is: “To know myself, to be myself, for myself.” Far from selfishness, Tidiane sees this self-awareness as a path to personal growth and openness to others.

 

Tidiane is convinced that humans are a mix of flaws and qualities, which they display according to cir­cumstances. His work continuously develops this conviction, aiming to make it universal and timeless. This conviction informs his work, which seeks to convey universal and timeless truths. By revisiting the signs and motifs of bogolan, Tidiane unveils a labyrinth of meanings. Each path leads to a deeper understanding of contemporary issues while preserving the richness of this ancient cultu­ral heritage.