Over 15 years of Senegalese life is revealed at Djibiril Drame’s retrospective, More True than Fact. The show at Mehari Sequar Gallery in Washington DC focusses on the visual artist’s intimate and imaginative portraiture that exudes a commitment to humanity and spirituality that feed his practice. “More True than Fact draws together key elements of the Senegalese lived experience and presents a vision for the future of African people framed by nature, customs and culture,” Drame says.

Born in the medina of Dakar, he started out as a graffiti artist and studied journalism before turning to photography, film and curation. Having lived in LA, Drame returned to Senegal to make work that addresses social issues and traditional practices while shaping hopeful narratives filled with love and understanding. Drame has exhibited internationally, shot for publications such as Vogue and recently produced Xalé, Moussa Sene Absa’s film which was pre-selected for the 2022 Oscars.

Highlights of the far-reaching show include Drame’s celebrated series ‘Sabodola Riders’, which conjures up a gilt motorcyclist, descendant from warriors, who rides through dusty streets armed with an implacable resistance. While ‘Forgotten Icons’ celebrates two famed women musicians, Yande Codou Sene and Aby Gana Diop, their identities shrouded yet their spirits soaring sky high.

More True than Fact by Djibril Drame is on view at Mehari Sequar Gallery, Washington DC, until 31 August 2023