Artist portraits, 2012-2015,
Dakar.

 

A series of portraits of a young generation of Artists and cultural Entrepreneurs by Omar Victor Diop. These vibrant, stylized images feature expressive personalities against richly patterned fabrics—powerful visuals that reflect identity, heritage, and contemporary African creativity.

 

Launched by Omar Victor Diop around 2012–2013, the series presents staged, collaborative portraits and highlights creative, urban African individuals—designers, musicians, actors, journalists, and more—who represent a dynamic, youthful generation. Each image is co-created with the sitter to express their identity and aspirations.

 

Reinventing African studio portraiture

Diop draws inspiration from mid-20th-century African portraitists like Seydou Keïta, Malick Sidibé, and Mama Casset, updating their visual language with bold, contemporary aesthetics.

 

Fabrics used in the portraits are selected from Diop’s family collection—some passed down for generations. These textiles not only embellish the visuals but also anchor each portrait in emotional and historical contexts.

 

The subjects represent a cosmopolitan Africa—regardless of race or background, they are united by creativity and ambition. Diop aims to offer a refreshing, optimistic counter-narrative to one-dimensional portrayals of the continent.