Art/ Burkina Faso: The 14th International Granite Sculpture Symposium is ongoing in Laongo

The village of Laongo in Burkina Faso has gained international recognition as a growing center for artistic innovation. This year, the 14th International Granite Sculpture Symposium, held in the region, draws sculptors from across the globe who are eager to leave their creative imprint on the country’s iconic landscape.

Amid this vibrant gathering, artists from nine countries work tirelessly under the African sun, transforming solid blocks of granite into symbols of unity, tradition, and modernity.

Indépendance Dougnon coming from Mali, a first-time participant, sculpts her interpretation of love and coexistence, using simple tools to convey powerful messages of connection between individuals. “Love and togetherness should be spread everywhere,” she reflects.

Seasoned Burkinabe artist Karim Tapsoba, participating in his third symposium, takes a different approach.

His work captures the essence of communication in both ancestral and contemporary contexts, contrasting oral traditions with modern technology.

For visitors like Parfait Zongo, the symposium is not only a display of technical skill but a source of deep reflection. “These sculptures make us think about time—where we’ve been and where we’re going,” he observes.

Initiator Siriky Ki believes the event has become more than an artistic gathering; it has evolved into a cultural movement that draws tourists and inspires future generations.

Since its inception in 1988, Laongo’s symposium has produced over 2,000 sculptures, cementing its reputation as a must-see destination for art enthusiasts worldwide.

Source: africanews