Inspiration: Mamadou Cisse

Mamadou Cisse (1960)

Maison Savant: I first saw the works of Mamadou at the Outsider Art Fair in Paris, october 2016. I was amazed by the amount of work and colors Mamadou gave to his drawings. After hearing the story he’s drawing mostly during his night shifts as a security guard at office buildings, it’s even more interesting.

(Following text from https://www.mariefinazgallery.com )

Born in Baghagha, Senegal, 1960, Lives and works in Osny, France

In 1978 Mamadou Cissé arrived in France at the age of 18, and started working in diverse jobs in industrial trade, design and bakery. An autodidact, he went back to his artistic practice in 2001 and started drawing during the long hours as a night watchman. Since then he draws imaginary cities, birds-eye perspectives, and futuristic visions, very colorful and rich in picturesque details. He creates his own world, fascinated by the world cities, their architecture, their urbanism and their energy. Mamadou Cissé believes in progress, better future and living conditions. He dreams ideal cities, with houses for all, and colors to spread Joy. “I am futuristic, forward ho!” says the visionary artist.