Abdala Faye
From humble beginnings...
Born in Yene, Senegal in the early 70's, Abdala recalls being artistic at a young age. At the age of 12 he had his first showing and sold all of his paintings. From that day forth, Abdala Faye immersed himself in art and became a full time artist. He continues to present pieces of mastership of mind through his depictive art work. Paintings can take anywhere from 3 hours all the way up to 2 days and sometimes longer to complete.
...to globe trotter
Abdala has had art exhibits across the world including Brasil, France, Belgium, Senegal, and America. When coming to America, he felt a depth within its world of various cultures, the true mixing bowl. In America, Faye felt he had "Something to say; to do."
There are a couple of places he still would like to visit. One dream that he has is to travel to India and sleep on the steps of the Taj Mahal. Another place he would like to experience is the culture and arts of New Orleans. He feels New Orleans is a part of his heritage because it was a port for the french slave ships that deported from Africa. He wants to be able to see another piece of his homeland that he hasn't been a part of before.
Languages
Abdala speaks many languages: Wolof, Serere, Djola, French, English, Bambara, a little bit of Arabic, and he's in the process of learning Italian.
Giving Back
Abdala believes that artists are an important tool to bring beauty into society and they should give as much as they can.
In addion to being a leader and fellow revolutionaire for artists throughout Senegal, he embraces the co-foundership of "Art Express". This program aids those with disabilites by means of art experimentation regardless of economical status.
Music
Abdala has been playing the hand drum even before he started painting. Watch a video clip of him playing the hand drum. He is currently also learning how to play bass.
Dreadlocks
Abdala has had his current set of dreadlocks since 2001. He started growing them out when he moved to America and began learning English.
Other Jobs
Abdala has had only one other job, which was a forklift driver.
"Art is my voice and fingers, the tools I use to manifest the depths of the unknown and the subconscious mind. My art is the connection between the known and unknown, or conscious and unconscious-translating my perception of this crossroad. Therefore, it respects no boundaries, no conventional representations. In respecting the way of inspiration, there is no place for convention, because its sole purpose is to reflect creativity and respect the process of art, which is free. My art has no identity but its own—meaning it does not fit one category or definition, whether this is style, medium, or measurement. It transforms with time as I do my work and display, therefore, where I've been, who I am. This is who I am right now."