As 2023 begins, it’s a time for introspection and setting goals for the future. For artists, it’s a chance to reflect on the past year and consider new ways to challenge and inspire their audience. The new year is an opportunity to take risks and be fearless in their art, to embrace their unique identities and perspectives and bring them to their work. It’s a time to let go of any doubts or fears and focus on growth and learning. The start of a new year is the perfect moment for artists to set their intentions and pave the way for a creative and fulfilling year ahead.
Finding one’s identity through art can be a powerful and transformative experience. Art allows individuals to express themselves and explore their own experiences, emotions, and beliefs. It can be a space for self-discovery and for understanding who we are and what we stand for. Through the creative process, we can tap into our deepest thoughts and feelings and bring them to life through various mediums. Whether it’s through painting, music, writing, or any other medium, the act of creation can help us understand ourselves and our place in the world. By embracing our unique identities and using art as a means of self-expression, we can not only discover who we are, but also share our stories with others and connect with them on a deeper level.
This endless pursuit of discovery and change is exactly what drives Sarah Konté.
“Identity is at the core of my work,” Konté says. “As a queer artist, I am deeply engaged with the LGBTQ+ community and strive to create art that reflects and celebrates the diversity of our experiences. But my identity goes beyond just my sexual orientation – it is also shaped by my multicultural background and my education. All of these elements come together to create a unique perspective that I bring to my art.”
Sarah Konté believes that the role of the artist is to inspire and challenge their audience to think deeply about the world around them. “I want to create art that pushes people to question their beliefs and emotions,” Konté says. “I want to build a bridge between the artist and the audience, so that we can create a new kind of language together. My installations are meant to be interactive, so that the audience can be a part of the process of creating meaning. I think it’s important for artists to be fearless in this way, to take risks and be unapologetically ourselves.”
Looking towards the future, Konté is excited to continue exploring new mediums and collaborating with other artists. “I am always looking for new ways to create interference between mediums,” Konté says. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with composers and scientists in the past, and I would love to continue collaborating with people from different fields. I believe that by bringing together different perspectives, we can create something truly unique and meaningful.”
Konté’s creative works throughout the years have been the recipient of incredible achievements, including being noticed by the Sarr Collection during the Crush Exhibition in Paris for her show, the Orbital Orchestra, in partnership with composers from Ircam, and having her first solo show, Tumbleweeds, at SALA in Los Angeles. Her exhibit, Adornment | Artifact at Transformative Arts in DTLA, with support from the Getty Museum, is an intimate glimpse into the workings of a culture in commune with itself. The pieces are a communicative tool that paints a conversation between medium and audience, in the spirit of the traditional storytelling culture of West Africa. In addition, Konté has written a thesis on the representation of meaning through the intersection of words and images and has completed an exchange program in philosophy at Humboldt Universität in Berlin, where she developed her photographic skills.
As Konté continues on her journey as an artist, she encourages others to embrace their own identities and passions. “I think it’s important for all of us to embrace who we are and to be true to ourselves,” Konté says. “It can be a scary process, but it’s worth it. As an artist, I am constantly learning and growing, and I hope that my art can inspire others to do the same.” In the coming years, Konté plans to establish a community of artists seeking residency, inspired by her own experiences of living in different countries and cultures. The artist herself has plans to open exhibition projects in Paris, Los Angeles, and Senegal, with one exhibit slated for opening on the 20th of January; dates for her future exhibitions are to be announced sometime in the future. Through her art and desire for connection, she hopes to bring people together and create a space for inspiration and growth.
Sarah Konté’s art is a testament to the power of self-expression and the role it can play in finding one’s identity. Her use of various mediums and interactive installations allows her to engage her audience and encourage them to question their beliefs and emotions. Through her art, Konté not only shares her own unique perspective, but also creates a sense of community and connection with her audience. It is this dedication to creating meaningful and thought-provoking art that makes Konté a standout artist and her work worth exploring. If you want to learn more about Sarah Konté and her art, be sure to check out her upcoming exhibitions and projects.
