In tribute to Senegalese sculptor Ndary Lo, who passed away in 2017, Retour De Voyage is presenting the exhibition "Walking Man, Standing Woman" at La Maison sur la Sorgue, from 20 August to 20 october 2024.
Through the themes of resilience, movement, and human elevation, this event celebrates the artistic depth of an exceptional man, whose powerful and spiritual works continue to leave a lasting mark on contemporary art.
This tribute to the artist also reflects the close relationship between the Retour De Voyage gallery and Ndary Lo's family, as well as the foundation dedicated to his work.
Ndary Lo : An exceptional sculptor with an international journey
Born in 1961 in Rufisque, Senegal, Ndary Lo grew up in a large and creative family. Deeply influenced from a young age by the work of local artisans, he learned the value of craftsmanship early on, particularly through a blacksmith who introduced him to the art of shaping metal.
A graduate of the National School of Fine Arts in Dakar, Ndary Lo explored universal themes such as the human condition, often using recycled and reclaimed materials. Over the course of his career, including the Grand Prix Léopold Sédar Senghor at the Dakar Biennale in both 2002 and 2008, Ndary Lo established himself as a prominent figure in international contemporary art. His works transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, offering a powerful testimony to his human experience, his struggles, and his quest for elevation.
At the heart of Ndary Lo’s work lies an unlikely material : construction rebar.
This industrial, often rusted material, embodies both human vulnerability and strength in his eyes. Through slender, minimalist silhouettes, he represents the human being in constant motion, rooted to the earth yet striving toward symbolic elevation.
His use of recycled steel reflects his ethical philosophy, blending sustainability with creativity. By breathing new life into discarded materials, he gives voice to the invisible history of each fragment. In his approach, so-called “daptaist”, Ndary Lo celebrates humanity’s capacity for transformation and perseverance.
For more details on Ndary Lo’s career and body of work , visit his artist page.
Exhibition Walking Man, Standing Woman at Galerie Retour De Voyage – A Tribute to Ndary Lo
At the Galerie Retour De Voyage, Ndary Lo’s sculptures find a natural place, an environment where the art and soul of the artist seem to engage in dialogue.
The works are arranged in groups, creating a unique and evocative world.
Among them, the feminine figures :
- The Pregnant Woman, a symbol of pride and life, evoking motherhood and paying tribute to women
- The Woman in Heels tall and strong , embodying seduction, freedom and feminine determination
And the Walking Men, deeply grounded yet paradoxically in motion, symbolic figures of movement and endurance, embodying the quest for resilience and openness to the future.
Throughout the exhibition, paintings by Dominique Coffignier and Sophie SAINRAPT are also on view.
Together, these works form a rich and immersive artistic conversation.
Coffignier’s horizon lines seem to extend the motion of the Walking Men, while Sainrapt’s expressive bodies echo the emotional power of Ndary Lo’s sculpture.
For this tribute to Ndary Lo, ceramic artist Pierre Sgamma has created a special series of pieces. His ceramics, raw yet poetic, engage in dialogue with the iron sculptures, adding a tactile and intimate dimension to the exhibition.
Ndary Lo’s Sculptures Beyond the Gallery Walls
As part of the Partage des Arts festival, several sculptures have left the gallery to take their place in emblematic locations across L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
- The Mermaid in the Sorgue is installed in the river, near the Caisse d’Épargne building, symbolizing the timeless and natural bond between water and humankind.
- The Tall Walkers placed along the riverbanks and in the lobby of Ciné Sur La Sorgue cinema, stride through the space, embodying balance and strength in motion.
- The Walking Woman, exhibited at the Villa Datris Foundation, pays tribute to feminine courage and determination.
- The Walker in Horseshoes located at Domaine de Peyre, honors the artist’s roots and the powerful art of recycling.
These, public installations, embody the spirit of the festival and Ndary Lo’s philosophy, provoking reflection on humanity, resilience and the passage of time.
Discover More of Ndary Lo’s Work
Ndary Lo continues to walk through his art, reminding us all of the beauty and strength of humanity.
Although the Walking Man, Standing Woman exhibition has ended, the remaining works are still on view at Galerie Retour De Voyage. You can also explore the artist’s universe and work through our Online art gallery.