Pique-Nique a la Chaussée (Roadside Picnic), 1976
1976
"To the youth of Bamako, Malick Sidibe was the James Brown of photography, the godfather whose clichés described the total energy of the time." (Manthia Diawara)
It's a rock and roll picnic. Young people are listening to James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin, and Mick Jagger; they dance the Jerk, the Mashed Potato, Camel Walk and Boogaloo; they hang out in clubs known as Grins; they talk politics, and they drink green tea. Intoxicating change is in the air. Looking at the vinyl record in the center of the photograph, one can almost hear the lyrics of James Brown proclaiming, "I FEEL Good," while parents protest their disapproval of the scanty clothes and provocative moves that the legendary performer inspired.
Gelatin silver print
20 x 24 in. (50.8 x 60.96 cm)
General Acquisition Fund
97.36
Provenance: [Gallery Paule Anglim, San Francisco, California]; purchased from gallery by Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 1997
Photo: Paul Macapia
