« l'Œil de Bamako »

To mark the opening of the new Fondation Cartier, the institution traces 40 years of contemporary creation with its « Exposition Générale ».

Bringing together a vast selection of photographs by Malick Sidibé, this inauguration offers us the opportunity to look back at an exclusive collaboration between LAPS and Gallery Fifty One.

Born in 1936 in southern Mali, Malick Sidibé trained under Guillat-Guignard. He set up his first studio in Bamako and quickly became a major figure in contemporary African photography. His Yéyé-dancing snapshots capture the essence of an era: that of a Malian youth caught between tradition and the rise of a modern Western lifestyle.

Since 25 October 2025, several of his photographs have been on display at the Fondation Cartier. This choice is the natural continuation of a relationship that began in 1995 with the « Bamako » exhibition, Sidibé's very first exhibition in the Western world. The Foundation also paid tribute to him in 2017, a year after his passing, with a retrospective of his work.

Represented in Belgium by Gallery Fifty One, with whom we had the privilege of collaborating on the creation of a watch, the « Eye of Bamako » leaves a lasting legacy.

Faithful to the vibrant rhythm of life that the artist captured for nearly 55 years, this 200 piece limited edition is engraved and accompanied by its certificate of authenticity.