THE STORY

Born in Yako, Burkina Faso, W. Africa, to parents from the Republic of Mali, Mamadou Diakite was interested in art, particularly drawing, from a very early age.  After attending the Center for Agricultural Training in Samanko, Mali between 1973 and 1977, Mr. Diakite found his genuine vocation: painting!

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A self-taught artist, Mamadou Diakite moved along this new path with great enthusiasm, settling in the Ivory Coast in 1978 to further his artistic knowledge; there, he developed new techniques in different media, including modeling, paste collages, and the use of sand, finally developing a unique style of 3 dimensional art combining painting, modeling, pasting and sanding using materials from Africa.

​Little by little, Mamadou Diakite and his new style became more appreciated by the public and Art Experts of West Africa. In Burkina Faso, Togo, Ivory Coast, his early art was honored in numerous exhibitions. In 1990, Mr. Diakite went to Burkina Faso and became a member of the International Association of Plastic Art (UNESCO). Following a period of intense creative activity, he was accepted in national and international exhibitions.

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At his exhibitions in the French Cultural Center of Cotonuou, Benin, Mr. Diakite's art was noticed by the American Consult, who helped him obtain a visa to promote his work in the United States. In 1993, he embarked upon the journey to Washington DC.  Currently he lives in Decatur, Georgia. He is one of the area's best known African artists.

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in 1997, Mamadou Diakite created the African Fine Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes African artists, and education of African art forms. He continues to display his work throughout the world, and develop new projects.  his studio is located at 3824 Riverside Parkway, Decatur, Georgia, 30034. He can be contacted at 240.355.4429.