The World of Abdoulaye Tiossane: A Celebration of Art and Film
From July 5 to August 24, 2025, Tokyo will host the highly anticipated exhibition showcasing the life and work of Abdoulaye Tiossane, a prominent figure in Senegal's cultural landscape. Known for his talents as a painter, jazz singer, actor, and playwright, Tiossane's unique contributions reflect the vibrant history and artistry of his homeland. This exhibition, held at
Space Un in Minato, Tokyo, will feature a selection of 100 to 200 original drawings from his private collection, offering visitors a rare opportunity to engage with Tiossane's remarkable visual language.
Exhibition Details
The exhibition will run from Wednesday to Sunday, open from 12 PM to 7 PM, with a special reception on the opening day, July 5, from 5 PM to 9 PM. The curator, Florent Mazzoleni, will hold a curator talk with Japanese translation, allowing attendees to gain deeper insights into Tiossane's artistic journey.
A Dive into Culture
The curated collection tells the story of Abdoulaye Tiossane's evolution in the post-independence cultural landscape of Senegal, capturing the essence of everyday life, popular culture, and urban modernity through humor and spirit. Visitors will be able to explore not only his drawings but also rare archival materials, such as newspaper articles from the 1960s, personal belongings, business cards, and annotated photographs that have never been displayed publicly before. These artifacts vividly illustrate the life of an artist who navigated a transformative era in Senegal, enriching the exhibition's narrative.
Screening of Documentary Film
In addition to the drawn works, the exhibition will conclude with a screening of a documentary film produced by Florent Mazzoleni in 2018. This film intimately portrays the rhythms and essence of life in the city of Ties, where Tiossane spent much of his life, capturing the surrounding environment's textures and movements.
Unlike the original exhibition in Senegal, this showcase will focus solely on Tiossane's original drawings, with no tapestry or reproductions on display. It promises to offer an immersive experience, allowing the audience to connect more directly with the artist's raw energy and vision.
About Abdoulaye Tiossane
Born in 1936 in Ties, Tiossane's artistic repertoire includes being a singer, painter, playwright, and actor. His work intertwines the cultural history of Senegal with a deeply personal and visual storytelling style. Tiossane composed one of Senegal's unofficial national anthems,