Seydou Keta

Seydou Keita (1930-2001) was a Malian photographer known for his influential black and white portraiture. Born in Bamako, he began his career in the 1940s with a self-taught approach after purchasing a second-hand camera. His work primarily focused on women from his local community, capturing their individuality and dignity through evocative compositions that often incorporated cultural elements like mirrors and fabric.

Keita's photographs gained international recognition only posthumously in the 1990s, despite being widely unrecognized during his lifetime. His images have since been exhibited globally in prestigious venues such as MoMA, the Guggenheim, and others, earning him a reputation as one of Africa's most celebrated studio photographers of the 20th century.

His artistic style combined traditional Malian culture with modern influences, creating powerful narratives that transcend mere documentation to become cherished works of art. Keita's legacy is a testament to the enduring impact of self-taught artists and the value of preserving diverse cultural expressions in photography.