• Galerie36 in Dakar showcases modern African art, fostering cultural exchange.
• Ayofemi Kirby’s intimate gallery redefines art spaces with a community focus.
• Daouda Niane Dit Uda’s vibrant, faceless artworks explore shared humanity.

In the heart of Dakar, Senegal, where the Atlantic breeze mingles with the city’s vibrant cultural pulse, a new beacon of creativity has emerged. Galerie36, a small but visionary art space founded by cultural practitioner Ayofemi Kirby, is redefining what it means to experience African art. With its salmon-colored exterior and intimate, white-walled interior, this gallery is not just a place to view art—it’s a portal into the soul of Dakar’s burgeoning art scene, offering travelers and art enthusiasts a chance to discover the multidimensional voices of contemporary African artists.

Dakar has long been a cultural hub, home to the renowned Dakar Biennale and a growing network of platforms like ArtX that champion African creativity. Galerie36 joins this vibrant ecosystem with a fresh perspective, prioritizing intimacy and authenticity over the grandeur of traditional galleries. Ayofemi Kirby, who honed her craft in New York’s art world, envisioned a space that counters the often cold, exclusive vibe of conventional galleries. “Sometimes the gallerist won’t look at you. You walk in, and you’re not greeted,” Kirby shared in an interview with OkayAfrica. At Galerie36, the experience is different: visitors are welcomed into a warm, communal space where art sparks conversation and connection.

The gallery’s small scale is its strength. Unlike sprawling museum spaces, Galerie36 invites you to linger, sip a beverage, browse art books, or chat with artists. Its launch exhibition, Meeting Nature by self-taught Senegalese artist Daouda Niane Dit Uda, sets the tone. Uda’s colorful compositions, filled with faceless figures and expressive lines, explore shared humanity and diverse identities. His work, discovered by Kirby through a neighbor’s introduction, embodies the gallery’s mission to uncover hidden gems and amplify voices that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Dakar: A City of Creative Energy

To visit Galerie36 is to immerse yourself in Dakar’s creative soul. The city pulses with energy—from the vibrant markets of Sandaga to the historic Île de Gorée, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that speaks to Senegal’s complex history. Dakar’s art scene is a reflection of this dynamism, with galleries, street art, and cultural festivals drawing global attention. The Dakar Biennale, held biennially, showcases contemporary African art on an international stage, while spaces like Galerie36 offer a more intimate entry point for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences.

Walking into Galerie36, you’re greeted by a space that feels both modern and rooted. The salmon-colored facade stands out against Dakar’s sunlit streets, inviting passersby to step inside and discover something new. Inside, Uda’s artworks line the walls, their bold colors and fluid lines telling stories of connection and universality. Kirby’s curatorial choices reflect her commitment to showcasing artists who challenge stereotypes and embrace the complexity of African identities. “Our artists are multi-dimensional, just like our cultures, just like our histories,” she says. “We have complexities. We’re sensitive, we’re human.”

Galerie36 arrives at a pivotal moment for African art, as the continent’s creatives work to untangle their narratives from the Western gaze. Too often, African art has been reduced to fleeting trends or exoticized stereotypes in global markets. Kirby is acutely aware of this challenge and sees Galerie36 as part of a broader movement to reclaim and redefine African creativity. “I think we, as a global community, have done a good job of pushing back on this,” she notes. “No matter where you are, what platform you have… pushing back on the narrative is important.”

Uda’s work exemplifies this ethos. His faceless figures, painted with vibrant hues and dynamic lines, invite viewers to project their own identities onto the canvas. “I want to give the power of speaking and the power of decision to the other part of the spaces in the world that didn’t have that power in real life,” Uda explains. His use of lines as a universal visual language—capable of writing, drawing, and connecting—mirrors Galerie36’s mission to bridge cultural gaps and celebrate shared humanity.

For those planning a cultural pilgrimage to Dakar, Galerie36 is a must-visit. Located in the heart of the city, it’s easily accessible alongside other cultural landmarks like the Museum of Black Civilizations or the bustling Plateau district. The gallery hosts regular exhibitions, workshops, and talks, making it a dynamic space for engagement. Uda’s Meeting Nature exhibition, which opened on July 17, features workshops for children and discussions that invite visitors to dive deeper into the art. Check Galerie36’s social media or website for upcoming events, as Kirby plans to showcase more emerging artists who reflect the gallery’s vision of sensitivity and depth.

Pair a visit to Galerie36 with a broader exploration of Dakar’s art scene. Time your trip for the Dakar Biennale (typically held in even-numbered years) to experience the city at its creative peak, or wander the streets to discover vibrant murals and local galleries. Don’t miss a sunset at the Corniche, where the Atlantic horizon inspired Kirby’s own journey to Dakar—a moment she describes as so breathtaking, “if this is the last thing I see, I’m fine.”

Galerie36 is more than a gallery; it’s a testament to the power of art to redefine narratives and connect communities. By championing artists like Uda, whose work speaks to both local and global audiences, Kirby is helping to shape a new chapter for African art—one that celebrates its complexity, tenderness, and humanity. For travelers, art lovers, and cultural explorers, Galerie36 offers a window into Dakar’s creative soul, inviting you to discover the stories, voices, and visions that are shaping the future of African creativity.

So, pack your bags and head to Dakar. Step into Galerie36, where the walls hum with stories, and let the city’s vibrant art scene inspire your next adventure. For more details on current exhibitions, visit OkayAfrica or follow Galerie36’s journey online.

Idriss Linge