Coversation with Nadia Sesay

In conversation with Nadia Sesay

Nadia is an arts writer and editor, focused on contemporary African art, for her own platform, BLANC Modern Africa. The digital platform documents contemporary art, design and travel inspired exclusively by Africa and its diaspora.

Tell us about yourself and what you do?

I am a child of God and daughter of an incredibly caring and strong African woman. My work experience in interior design, travel and art have led to the current position of an arts writer and editor focused on contemporary African art, for my own platform, BLANC Modern Africa, and as a contributor to other publications.

How did you discovered art?

My arts awakening originated in my youth. Washington, DC is a city with a rich collection of art and history museums, most of which are free. I grew up in a suburb of DC. So, my mother took me on frequent trips to the city to check out art.

What drives you to pursue such a career as a young black woman ?

I’ll be honest. I never imagined my professional career would involve these spheres! God worked out an especially unique path for me. I remain excited because I feel that I am walking in purpose.

What is Blanc Modern Africa and what you do?

BLANC Modern Africa is a portfolio of art fairs and galleries I have visited around the world, that’s all recorded in the Travel Journal of BLANC. The City Guides give readers insight to various cities globally from the insight of arts and curators living there. The Art Guide is a global list, this one of museums and galleries that showcase contemporary African art.

Who is your favorite artist right now and why?

There are so many artists on my radar! Tools like Instagram continually introduce me to the work of artists I was not previously familiar with. Restrictions from Covid-19 led many exhibitions and fairs to transition to online formats, which has been a way to become acquainted with work I may not have otherwise seen. Back to IG, I have become fascinated recently with the work of various collage artists I’ve discovered on the app.

“There are some positives to this inclusion, but we also must be careful not to commoditize the message of Black Lives Matter, whether in art acquisition or otherwise.”

How do you think art is influencing the times in the era of black lives matter ?

The beauty of art, especially art from the African and diaspora perspective, is it naturally influences culture on many levels, like so many other things created by our people do. The current political climate has caused an urgency of some collectors and corporate institutions to incorporate this art into their collection.

There are some positives to this inclusion, but we also must be careful not to commoditize the message of Black Lives Matter, whether in art acquisition or otherwise. In many ways that desire for the ownership of black creation led us to the current moment in history.

What advise would you will give to young black women interested in this career?

I will give advice from my experience that I believe apply to any professional pursuit: Trust God, allow yourself grace to make mistakes and nourish what fuels your creativity.

Follow her work on Instagram @blancmodernafrica

By Moiyattu Banya Keister www.moiyattubanya.com Photocredit: Dayane Ohira