Shadows and Fragility with Saïdou Dicko

Burkinabè artist, Saïdou Dicko, often features shadows and colour as a signature part of his photography. Silhouettes of children are surrounded by bright patterns that pull you into those shadows, but the mystery remains.

In his Fragile works, Saïdou surrounds his young subjects with painted colour, flowers, vines, and the word “fragile” reminiscent of the kind of tape used to protect precious objects during transport. It makes the image feel delicate, like the children inside it need care, protection, and attention. It makes you think about the child in you, the viewer, and how even now, that child needs protection and nurturing.

See some of our favourites below.

Purchase many of Saïdou’s work from Artsy.