Created By
Saleh Lô
Graphite drawing on paper
Curator
Artbridger Curator
In Mohamed, Saleh Lô masterfully captures the nuanced interplay of light and shadow to convey the dualities of vulnerability and resilience inherent in the young Talibé subject. The artist's deft use of minimalist backgrounds allows Mohamed's presence to command the viewer's attention, inviting contemplation on the ethical complexities of representation and witnessing. Lô's deliberate rendering of form and expression not only embodies the individuality of Mohamed but also serves as a poignant reminder of the broader societal systems that shape his existence, compelling us to confront the uncomfortable truths embedded within the portrait.
Mohamed, rendered in graphite on paper, constitutes a poignant portrait born from Saleh Lô’s direct engagement with Talibé children through intimate interviews. The drawing’s understated line work and delicate shading evoke a sense of immediacy and presence, capturing not only the physical semblance of the sitter but also the weight of his lived experience. The minimalist background directs full attention to Mohamed’s posture and expression, encapsulating the complexity of his position as both a subject of spiritual instruction and a figure entrapped within systemic labor exploitation. The subtle interplay of light and shadow delineates contours that are at once tender and resolute, inviting the viewer into a quiet dialogue that transcends the visual surface to engage with the ethical dimensions of witnessing and representation.
Created By
Saleh Lô
67 x 43 cm | 26 x 17 in
Framed (Black)
2025
