Mame Cheikh Ndiaye, Senegalese visual artist and painter based in Dakar

Mame Cheikh Ibrahima Fall NDIAYE, also known as Sheiraf Art, is an artist, photographer, and painter. Born in 1997 in Dakar, where he currently lives and works. He is dedicated to capturing authentic moments and transforming each one into a timeless piece of art.

After completing his secondary education, he pursued professional training in documentary photography and graphic design at SUP IMAX. Specialising in fine art photography, event photography, landscapes, and portraits, his style is defined by a harmony between natural light and carefully crafted composition, producing images that reflect the soul and spontaneity of his subjects.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I am a very funny person. I love making people around me laugh, especially my clients, to help them feel comfortable and get truly beautiful photos. I am quite open with others and consider myself a humanist photographer.

How did you first get into photography?

Since I was a child, I always loved taking photos with my father’s phone. Over the years, two people helped guide me: Mr. Touré from the Village des Arts in Dakar and Mr. Ousmane Ndiaye Dago from the Villa des Arts, Mariste. They nurtured my vision in both documentary and artistic photography.

What type(s) of photography do you specialise in, and why did you choose this niche?

Fine art photography allows me to take shots, print them on canvas, and then intervene with painting. Documentary photography, on the other hand, fuels my desire to learn, allows me to travel, capture images, and explore cultural and natural stories.

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography?

I want to highlight the beauty of Senegal and Africa as a whole. Too often, the continent is portrayed through the lens of poverty, while it actually holds a luxurious way of life, rich culture, and a pride in being African. My goal is to reveal this other side of Africa, particularly through social media platforms like Instagram, as well as at major events such as the Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Art.

What's the one achievement or moment in your photography career that you're most proud of?

My greatest honor was attending a Chanel fashion show and photographing Pharrell Williams. I also had the privilege of participating in a group exhibition for a Biennale in 2024, as a project contributor.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it?

My most ambitious challenge was being contacted by a company that wanted aerial images, even though I had never flown a drone before. I learned how to do it in just one week. On the big day, I ended up with a drone model different from the one I had practiced with. At first, it was quite challenging, but I ultimately succeeded by staying true to myself and being natural.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

Louis Vuitton, because this brand values craftsmanship and high-quality finishes.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

You are simply amazing in the way you highlight artists, revealing their unique worlds.

How's the photography and art space in your country: how has it evolved in recent years?

The photography and art sector in Senegal has experienced significant growth in recent years. It builds on a strong heritage (studios, archives, pioneers like Mama Casset), sees the emergence of new institutions (such as the Saint-Louis Photography Museum), and benefits from major events (the Dakar Biennale).

The new generation of photographers, fueled by social media and international visibility, blends tradition and modernity with increasingly creative and contemporary approaches.

However, challenges remain: a still-limited local market, scarce financial and technical resources, recognition that is often greater abroad than at home, and an urgent need to preserve archives and better structure the sector.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their photography journey, what would it be?