Midnight In Bamako, 2013
Linen, canvas, mud & Indigo dyeThis artwork uses West African indigenous techniques to create textile dyed with natural mud. The hand-spun, hand-woven Malian cotton absorbs the earth’s rich pigments, preserving traditional techniques and celebrating organic materials.
Divine Sky, 2019
Indigo-dyed fabricIn this artwork, fluttering indigo flags reveal a spectrum of hues that reflect the lifecycle of the live indigo vat. Fofana works with luxurious natural fabrics—such as organic Malian cotton that is hand-spun and hand-woven—using them as a canvas for a range of indigo shades, from the deepest blues to near-white tones. The installation features twelve distinct shades of indigo, from the lightest “Baga fu” to the darkest “Lomassa dunne,” echoing the profound tones of the sky.
Rooted in Malian tradition, these shades were historically crafted by master dyers who often timed their dyeing processes to harmonize with the colour of the sky. This work stands as a testament to Fofana’s deep commitment to preserving the heritage of fermented indigo dyeing and indigenous textile practices.