"Goumbelene", Original Acrylic Painting by Senegal Painter Ibrahima Gningue, African Art

This is by Senegalese painter Ibrahima Gningue.

Ibrahima Gningue is a painter and art teacher, graduated from the National School of Arts in Dakar. Ibrahima is of Léboue origin, a Senegalese community, traditionally fishermen and farmers. The sublime costumes of his characters are inspired by those of the Leboues dancers, such as Goumbé and Ndawrasquine dance styles.

He says, "The faces of my characters are painted in white because they pass in the background and recall the alabaster faces made up of the characters during the Tadjébone which is a typical Senegalese carnival."

Some adults disguise themselves and coat their faces with white ashes while wandering in  elaborate costumes.

Ibrahima has participated in numerous exhibitions in Africa and Europe, including the prestigious biennale Dak’Art . He also won the special jury prize in the painting competition of The Cuomo Foundation in Monaco.

Painting dimensions: 71x47"