Senegalese artisans in the spotlight as they exhibit for the first time at a prestigious art event

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Designers Kemi Bassène and Khadim Ndiaye asked five artisans — a sculptor, a painter, a jeweler, a leatherworker and a upholsterer — to interpret the theme of “hippo.” They chose the theme because it was easily recognizable across Africa, they said, bringing together people from different nations who live next to the water. “This is the first time in the history that artisans, especially those who are custodians of traditional craftsmanship, are invited to the Biennale,” Bassène said. “For craftsmen in Africa, there is a natural progression towards the world of modern design.” It was “normal,” he said, to include artisans in the Biennale “if we wanted to try to decolonize a little.” This year's Biennale is being held as Senegal is undergoing profound political change, with the newly elected authorities charting a more self-reliant and pan-African course. His dream, he said, was to expand the production across the whole country so the Senegalese parents “do not have to buy Chinese products.” “We have all the know-how,” he said.