Textiles: Aboubakar Fofana Malian artist and Indigo Dye Master

Akoubakar Fofana [Mali]

[Image credit: Aboubakar Fofana – Amaridian]

When I lived in Harare, Dendera Gallery in the city centre was a favourite haunt of mine. Close to the studio I worked in, I would spend many a lunch-time browsing and occasionally buying from the fascinating collection of art sourced across the African continent. I fell in love with the beautifully dyed authentic Indigo fabrics, and to this day kick myself for having not bought one… I’m not sure why I didn’t as I kept saying I would, I guess I got caught up in my move to the UK. I still think of them every now and then, even more so whenever I see a feature on Malian artist and Indigo master craftsman, Aboubakar Fofana. It’s the colour that gets me every time; that gorgeous shade of indigo. Blue is my favourite colour; brilliant deeply pigmented hues of blue like ultramarine, azure, cobalt and cerulean; the first colours to get quickly used up in my pastel and watercolour boxes. Born in Bamako, Mali Aboubakar Fofana is a textile designer, calligrapher and artist who has lived in Paris for over thirty years. Passionate about the preservation of the Malian cultural heritage of Indigo dyeing Aboubakar found himself increasingly intrigued by the Indigo plant and the benefits of using natural plant and mineral dyes in general. His research drew him into exploring the roots of indigo fabric in Malian culture, discovering the traditional techniques; and deepening his knowledge. The artist is also working on the revival of the indigo plant, which has gradually been abandoned in favour of chemical dyes that have had a catastrophic effect on ecosystems.

[Image credits: Aboubakar Fofana – Amaridian]

Aboubakar has chosen to concentrate on natural organic fabrics that can take the vegetable and natural dyes and his experiments have led to unique works of art for clothing and décor accessories. The fabrics are further enhanced by hand made stitching and finishings. Ever the scholar Aboubakar’s interest has seen him collaborate with well-known Senegalese-based textile designer Aissa Dione on a textile accessories range; and has taken him far afield to Japan to study under the tutelage of master dyer AKIYAMA Masakazu to learn about Japanese indigo. Visit Amaridian gallery online for a fascinating pictorial giving an insight into the indigo dyeing process.

[Image credit: Aboubakar Fofana – Amaridian]

…simply stunning, just my kind of blue!

Additional Details:
To learn more about Aboubakar Fofana and his craft visit: www.aboubakar-fofana.com