Constat 2 (detail), 2013.
About:
Afrique Pillage Arbres Richesses, 2014.
Omar Ba (b. Senegal, 1977) has lived and studied in both Senegal (l’Ecole Nationale des Beaux-arts, Senegal, 2002) and Switzerland (l’Ecole Supérieur des Beaux-arts, Geneva, 2005 and ECAV – MAPS Arts in Public Spheres, 2011), absorbing influences from both of these radically different cultures. His works combine memories of Senegal with experiences of his current home in Geneva. Ba lives and works in Geneva, Switzerland. Ba predominantly makes paintings directly onto corrugated cardboard sheets, the artists preferred surface. His relocation from Dakar to Geneva has had a major effect on his work bringing together both African and Western influences oftencentred around single figures, isolated on blackened surfaces.
Experience Penible, 2012.
The highly patterned and elaborate personages draw together imagery associated with famine, tribal decoration, factional warfare and despotic self-styled leaders, along with advances in new technology and popular culture. These almost mythological, ‘folklore’ inspired beings are not void of Western influences which serve as a nod to Postmodernity and the culture of ‘now’.
This Way is not Easy, 2012.
Ba’s works are found in numerous important private and public collections, including the Barbier-Mueller Collection and Fond d’art Contemporain de la Poste.
Courtesy:
Hales Gallery
Tea Building
7 Bethnal Green Road
London
E1 6LA
T 44 (0)20 7033 1938
F 44 (0)20 7033 1939
