The 2025 edition of the international exhibition of plastic arts, entitled “Artistic routes of Saint-Louis”, officially opened its doors on Saturday at the Museum of the Senegal Research and Documentation Center (CRDS), formerly known as IFAN. This meeting, captured by the Senegalese press agency (APS), marks the eleventh edition of this annual event dedicated to contemporary art.
During the opening ceremony, Abdou Simbandy Diatta, at the head of the Senegalese cultural sector, said: “It is with sincere joy and renewed enthusiasm that we find ourselves here in the heart of the beautiful and historical city of Saint-Louis to celebrate the opening”. He warmly praised the participation of forty artists from various countries, including Gambia, guest of honor, as well as France, Mali, Belgium, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United States. According to him, this diversity promises to enrich cultural and artistic exchanges.
Abdou Karim Fall, the visual artist behind this event via the association “Ndar Création”, expressed his happiness to celebrate this new edition. He stressed that since 2013, this event has been welcoming local and international creators, offering a total of 76 works on display. Sculptures, paintings, photographs enrich this extended artistic platform until June 3, 2025.
Mamat Sallah, photographer and head of the Gambian delegation, recognized “the excellence of relations” between Senegal and Gambia, highlighted by the choice of this country as a guest of honor. With works in painting and photography on the theme “Benno” (Union), the delegation concretizes this spirit through the exhibition, especially on the Islamic religious level.
According to a source relayed by Sud Quotidien, personalities such as Germain Coly in the film sector, Laurent Viguié of the French Institute and others honored this event with their presence. In addition, many Senegalese regions participate, thus reflecting the artistic richness of the country through a diversity of media ranging from sculpture to digital art.
This celebration of contemporary art is therefore an invitation to discover for a month, the creativity of forty artists from seven nations, including Gambia, around various and inspiring works. Note once again, as Sud Daily indicates, that this is a unique opportunity for the public to live an exceptional artistic experience.
