By: Yunus S. Saliu
The Gambia took center stage as the Guest of Honour at the 11th edition of the Itinéraires Artistiques de Saint-Louis (Artistic Itineraries of Saint-Louis), an annual international art exhibition organized by the Ndar Création Association under the direction of renowned visual artist Abdoukarim Fall.
Held from May 3 to June 3, 2025, at the Senegalese Research and Documentation Center (CRDS), formerly IFAN, this year’s edition brought together 40 artists from across Africa, Europe, and the United States. The event showcased a vibrant array of artistic expressions including painting, photography, sculpture, mosaics, digital art, and design.
Representing The Gambia were acclaimed artists Mamat Sallah, Ebrima Gitteh, and Omar Corr, whose captivating works drew attention and praise throughout the month-long exhibition.
In an interview with this medium, Mamat Sallah noted that this year’s edition saw a broader international representation, including artists from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Belgium, France, and the U.S., alongside local Senegalese creators.
“This year’s exhibition offered a wider scope, not only in diversity of works but also in international collaboration,” said Sallah, who was attending for the third consecutive time.
Themed around fostering peace and artistic dialogue, the exhibition provided a unique platform for emerging and established artists to engage in cross-cultural exchanges. The participation of Gambian artists, Sallah added, “brought a new dimension to the event and enriched the artistic conversation between Senegal and The Gambia.”
The event featured 76 selected artworks, chosen through a rigorous application process. Four distinguished mentors, Anta Germaine Gaye, Serigne Ndiaye, Tita Mbaye, and Adama Sylla accompanied the artists, offering guidance while also presenting their own celebrated creations.
In addition to the exhibitions, four hands-on training workshops were held, allowing both artists and enthusiasts to explore various techniques in painting, mosaics, and sculpture. These educational sessions, along with interactive performances, focused on key contemporary issues such as sustainability, cultural identity, and the social impact of art.
The Artistic Itineraries of Saint-Louis continues to cement its status as one of West Africa’s leading art gatherings, promoting not only creativity but also cultural diplomacy and unity through the arts.
