Kader Diaby (CI, b. 1991) is a photographer, art director and fashion designer based in Abidjan, Côte D’Ivoire. With a background and broad interest in different art and design practices, photography became Diaby’s primary tool of expression when he began creating Instagram stories. He soon ventured into exploring content-based narratives with a 35mm film camera.
For his staged work, Diaby needed outfits, but what he was looking for was either not available in Ivory Coast or didn’t correspond with his taste. He then began to design and produce garments, which he now releases in two collections per year via his own clothing line, Olooh. The brand reflects the artist’s lifestyle – a blend of tradition and modernity – using organic components such as linen, cotton, wood and leather.
‘With photography, I address my own individuality as opposed to how we as Africans define ourselves as a whole in the present day. Where is my generation headed in this globalised world with its tendency to standardise cultures? What defines the locality of a home when our references become more and more similar? Death is another topic I regularly address in my work.’
‘I appreciate working in collaborations with other artists and wish to do this more with people from different cultural backgrounds in the near future. For me, sharing is what makes art become art.’
Artist is presented by Galerie Number 8
