Leila Walet Mohamed, a Malian painter, has been using art to preserve culture and inspire change, particularly in championing the cause of women.
Her exhibition, "Heritage in Silence," features abstract paintings filled with vibrant colors, ancient Tuareg symbols and powerful messages promoting girls' education and women's empowerment.
For Leila, art is more than an aesthetic expression, and is a tool for education, cultural preservation and social change.
Originally from Gao in northern Mali, the painter draws inspiration from her personal journey, one shaped by access to education and a deep attachment to her Tuareg heritage.
"In this exhibition, I absolutely wanted to include them and speak about a cause that is very close to my heart: girls' education. I wanted to begin with the women I have known all my life, my aunt, my mother and my grandmother [who never had the opportunity to go to school]," said Leila.
Through painting, she hopes to inspire a new generation of women creators and cultural ambassadors.
"As a woman, first of all, I believe this applies to every field. Women who work in any profession are generally familiar with the challenges they face. As a painter, when it comes to exhibitions, you have to go out and seek opportunities. It is not enough just to paint; you also have to sell your work, showcase it, and essentially take on the commercial side of the profession," she said.
Many are drawn by the vibrant colors in her paintings, while others are intrigued by the Tifinagh symbols woven into the compositions.
"What is most striking about all of this is the use of these different color palettes to represent women, because in Africa, our behaviors and values are shaped by our grandparents and our parents," said Abdoulaziz Kane, a visitor to the exhibition.
The exhibition is running until July 31 at the French Institute, and has attracted art lovers, students and cultural enthusiasts from across Bamako, the Malian capital city.
"Through this exhibition, one can feel that Leila Walet is championing the cause of girls' education, which echoes [former South African President and Nobel Peace Laureate] Nelson Mandela's famous saying that education is the most powerful weapon for building a nation," said Aichata Tigana, a visitor to the exhibition.
Leila Walet Mohamed is transforming art into a bridge between generations. Her paintings preserve memory, celebrate culture and advocate for girls' education.
Malian painter uses art to preserve culture, inspire changes
