Vues de dos (Back views) 2003 - 2004

Malick Sidibé's ‘Vues de dos’ is a photograph that's been joyfully hand-painted, blurring the line between photography and painting. The flat areas of colour and bold outlines remind me that artmaking is always a process, a layering of intentions and happy accidents. What strikes me is how Sidibé doesn't try to hide his process. The brushstrokes are visible, almost childlike, adding a layer of personal touch that contrasts with the photographic image. I love the blue backdrop with the whimsical leaf motifs, their bi-colour symmetry a playful, decorative element. This frame doesn't just contain the photograph; it extends its narrative, creating a vibrant, almost dreamlike space around the two figures. Sidibé’s eye reminds me a little of David Hockney, another artist who isn't afraid to mix media and play with perspective. Ultimately, this piece celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the ongoing conversation between different artistic languages. It’s a reminder that art is a fluid, ever-evolving dialogue.