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Momodou Ceesay demonstrated extraordinary artistic talent in his early years, painting in a realistic manner through his childhood and adolescence. His style changed as he experimented with different theories, techniques, and ideas.
His revolutionary artistic accomplishments brought him universal renown thus making him one of the best-known figures in African Art. For me, the artist has an undying love for humanity and may therefore be resolved to lend his or her voice to fight against injustice, to seek the truth where others are afraid to, and to serve as a beacon light for justice and equality.
Momodou Ceesay is a fine artist and writer. He was born in 1945 in Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, in West Africa. His early education was received in Banjul, followed by scholarships and academic studies at Suffield Academy and Wesleyan University, Connecticut (USA). He continued his studies in France at the University of Poitiers, Tours and La Sorbonne, Paris. .
After graduation, Ceesay decided to pursue his true passion and he became an artist. Essentially self-taught, he focused on a highly individualist vision, seen in the uniqueness of his style and use of colours. This trend is seen in his numerous acrylics, watercolors, and serigraphs. In his printmaking, Momodou shuns modern technology, producing small editions by hand, without the aid of a mechanized studio. One of his earlier serigraphs entitled "Evening Works" was selected by UNICEF as one of their designs. His original works can be found in many public and private collections across the country and abroad.
"My work . . . seeks to articulate that universal yearning for truth, justice, and equality, common to all peoples and all cultures. I have tried in my...
