Abdoulaye Konaté is a renowned Malian artist born in 1953 in Diré, Mali. He is widely acclaimed for his innovative use of textiles and his thematic explorations that address significant social and political issues. Konaté studied painting at the Institut National des Arts in Bamako, Mali, and furthered his education at the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana, Cuba. This diverse educational background provided him with a unique perspective and a broad range of artistic techniques.
Konaté's work is heavily influenced by his Malian heritage, as well as his experiences in Cuba. He often draws on the rich tapestry of West African traditions, blending them with contemporary themes. His pieces are known for their vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and the profound messages they convey about contemporary society and human experiences. In compositions of colored cotton strips, Konaté reflects on how cloth can commemorate and communicate motifs that range from the ancestral to the contemporary.
Konaté has exhibited in New York, Lagos, London, Paris, Casablanca, and elsewhere. He is the recipient of numerous awards, having been named an Officer of the National Order of Mali as well as a Chevalier of the French Order of Arts and Letters. Konaté’s abstract compositions have thematized globalization, climate change, and the AIDS epidemic.