Working with local artisans across Africa and the Middle East in a variety of mediums, French multidisciplinary artist and designer Louis Barthélemy @louisbarthelemy creates contemporary artworks and artefacts based on centuries-old techniques, driven by his commitment to conserving and supporting vernacular handicrafts threatened by globalization. Inspired by the mystical universe of Senegalese wrestling which Barthélemy immersed himself during a trip to #Dakar, his latest series of appliquéd tapestries, “Wrestlers”, evocatively encapsulates the anthropological-informed approach of his practice as well as reflects the diverse influences behind his work. Made with “bazin”, a type of cotton brocade popular in West Africa, the quilt-like tapestries were handcrafted in Cairo in collaboration with Egyptian artisans who practice “khayamiya”, a type of decorative appliqué technique historically used to decorate tents across the Middle East. On view at Théodore Monod Museum of African Art in Dakar until January 20, 2022.