Article: Country in Focus: Sierra Leone's Art Scene Emerging Anew
Country in Focus: Sierra Leone's Art Scene Emerging Anew
Sierra Leone, a country that has faced its share of challenges, is emerging anew as a vibrant cultural hub, driven by the creativity and resilience of its artists. After the civil war (1991-2002) displaced many artists and devastated cultural institutions, the country's art scene had to rebuild from the ground up. Leading this renaissance is The Barray, an art collective founded in 2013 by Hawa-Jane Bangura, dedicated to advancing Sierra Leone’s artistic expression.
The Barray has acted as a bridge between the country’s former art schools and the post-war art scene by inviting pre-war figures like the late Professor Koso-Thomas — an artist, poet, and engineer who represented Sierra Leone at FESTAC, the major international festival of African arts and culture in Nigeria in 1977 — and Louise Metzger, a highly active artist and mentor. Through these efforts, The Barray reconnected Sierra Leone’s artistic heritage with the contemporary scene, linking the past and present in a meaningful way.
This blog shines a light on two extraordinary female artists from The Barray: Hawa-Jane Bangura and Hickmatu Leigh. Both are instrumental in shaping Sierra Leone’s art landscape with their unique visions, offering an intimate glimpse into the country’s emerging creative voice and the power of art to rebuild and reclaim cultural identity.
Hawa-Jane Bangura: A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity
As a founding member of The Barray, Hawa-Jane Bangura has been a vital force in the resurgence of Sierra Leonean art. Her pieces combine traditional African elements with contemporary techniques, creating a vivid fusion of history, spirituality, and modern identity. Through bold colors, intricate patterns, and symbolic storytelling, her work delves deep into African mythology, often portraying powerful women as a tribute to the evolving role of women in African societies.
What sets Hawa-Jane’s art apart is the profound narrative she weaves into every piece. Her work explores themes of heritage, resilience, and identity, challenging viewers to see beyond the surface. It sparks conversations about reclaiming African culture while celebrating the beauty and strength of its women. Hawa-Jane’s art is more than a visual experience — it’s a cultural statement that resonates with audiences both locally and internationally.
Hickmatu Leigh: Capturing Stories of Resilience and Empowerment
While Hawa-Jane captures tradition through paint, Hickmatu Leigh tells stories through her camera lens. As a prominent member of The Barray, Hickmatu uses photography to explore the lived experiences of women, particularly those from the Global South. Her black-and-white portraits often incorporate veils and masks, drawing attention to the themes of visibility and identity, and highlighting the beauty found in age and wisdom.
Hickmatu’s photography is both an artistic expression and a platform for advocacy. Her work elevates the stories of women who have been historically marginalized, giving them visibility and honoring their resilience. Each photograph invites the viewer to engage with these women’s journeys, making her art both visually stunning and socially significant.
Explore Sierra Leone's Cultural Renaissance
Through the lenses of Hawa-Jane Bangura and Hickmatu Leigh, we are witnessing the rebirth of Sierra Leone’s art scene. These two artists represent the creativity, strength, and cultural pride driving the nation’s artistic revival. Their work, along with that of many others in The Barray, continues to reshape and inspire Sierra Leone’s cultural landscape.
Discover the resurgence of Sierra Leonean art—meet the artists and explore their stories. Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram! A special thank you to Hawa-Jane Bangura for her contribution to The Barray story.
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