Art has the power to transcend borders and bring cultures together. This is what Senegalese artist Ousmane Sow has achieved throughout his career. In 2013, he became the first black artist to be installed at the Academy of Fine Arts, a historic institution in France. His successor in the chair, the Italian Giuseppe Penone, recently shared his thoughts in an interview on the legacy left by this art giant.
For Penone, being chosen to take Ousmane Sow’s place is a huge honor and a surprise for him. Although he does not know Sow’s work intimately, he can feel close to him in certain aspects, notably their approach to the material. Both are convinced that the idea must adapt to the material used, rather than the other way around.
Ousmane Sow’s appointment to the Academy of Fine Arts in 2003 marked a significant turning point. Not only did he become the first black artist to join this prestigious institution, but it also had an impact on the perception of humanity and on our social and political structures. The speed of migrations and the mixing of cultures have changed our ways of thinking, imagining and conceiving reality. For Penone, this diversity can be a valuable asset for everyone.
What distinguished Ousmane Sow’s work, according to Penone, was his ability to transcend conventions and express the power of human expression through sculpture. While drawing inspiration from his Senegalese roots, Sow was able to translate this vision with Western language, thus giving a precious gift to Western sculpture. For Penone, Sow’s most important contribution was his tactile knowledge of the human body. As a trained physiotherapist, Sow had a unique connection to the shapes and sensations of the body, which is reflected in his sculptures. Touch can correct our visual perceptions and give us increased accuracy of reality, challenging our conventions and understanding of the world around us.
The conversation between Penone and Sow reveals the power of art to transcend cultural boundaries, preconceptions and limited perceptions. The legacy left by Ousmane Sow through his work and his role at the Academy of Fine Arts is an inspiring reminder of the diversity and richness of art, which continues to guide and amaze us.
In conclusion, art is a powerful tool for bringing people together and overcoming cultural barriers. Ousmane Sow used his talent to transcend conventions and express the power of human expression through sculpture. His appointment to the Academy of Fine Arts marked a turning point in the history of this institution and contributed to changing our perception of reality. His successor, Giuseppe Penone, recognizes the importance of this appointment and is committed to perpetuating the legacy left by Sow. Art continues to inspire us, amaze us and unite us in our diversity.