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The Arts Intel Report

A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler
A Cultural Compass
For the World Traveler

Nobert Ghisoland & Seydou Keïta

Feb 11 – Apr 18, 2020
Zirkstraat 20, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

Although they lived in different eras, Norbert Ghisoland (1878–1939) and Seydou Keïta (1920–2001) both made studio portraits that captured the complicated nuances of entire communities. Ghisoland, a Belgian, photographed workers from his hometown, the coal-mining region of “Le Borinage,” during a complicated time. Keïta, born in Mali, made portraits of fellow members of the Malian community, documenting their elegance. The gallery, celebrating its 20th anniversary, displays the artists side-by-side, creating an unanticipated effect. —E.C.

Seydou Keita, “2 babies.” © Seydou Keita | Courtesy Gallery FIFTY.