J.D. ‘OKHAI OJEIKERE AND MALICK SIDIBÉ | PRESS RELEASE

L. Parker Stephenson Photographs is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition of photographs of Nigerian hairstyles from the 1970s by J. D. ‘Okhai Ojeikere and vintage folios of partygoers in Bamako, Mali in the 1960s by Malick Sidibé. The opening will take place on Thursday, December 17th, 2009 from 6 -8pm.

J.D. ‘Okhai Ojeikere systematically photographed Nigerian hairstyles in the late 1960s and 1970s. These varied and elaborate creations reflect not only the prevailing fashions but also reference ancestral tribal traditions. Usually captured from the back or in profile and set-off against empty backgrounds, his portraits of braids, twists, knots, parts and weaves present striking sculptural forms. Through his photography, Ojeikere has preserved these ephemeral manifestations of cultural identity in simple, bold, and elegant presentations.

During the same period, Malick Sidibé, was documenting the postcolonial youth movement in Bamako, Mali’s thriving capital. Whether it was dance parties at social clubs, weekend beach outings or sports events, Sidibé was there. Often printing through the night, he pasted groups of photographs from these events into folders that he displayed in his studio the following day. People came in, reviewed the choices, selected their favorites and placed orders for mementos of these celebrations. While Sidibé’s later prints have been exhibited throughout the world, his colorful vintage folios of candid images, which are being presented in the gallery, have rarely been displayed and are true reflections of his working methods.

For more information on these artists or for additional visuals, please contact the gallery at 212.517.8700 or visit us online at www.lparkerstephenson.nyc. L. Parker Stephenson Photographs is open by appointment Monday through Saturday.

These works are presented in association with our partner gallery, Fifty-One Fine Art in Antwerp, Belgium.