Through May 31, 2026
The Met
Between Latitude and Longitude inaugurates the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing’s in-focus gallery and marks a pivotal renewal in the presentation of The Met’s African art collection. Central to this exhibition is the monumental work of Senegalese Modernist painter Iba Ndiaye (1928–2008), whose painting Tabaski III is a celebrated addition to The Met’s holdings through the generous Promised Gift of Margo and Anthony Viscusi. Since the Rockefeller Wing’s 1982 opening, Ndiaye has been recognized as a foundational yet underappreciated figure who bridges African modernism and global art narratives.
Ndiaye’s artistic journey is as compelling as his work. Born in Saint Louis to a Catholic mother and Muslim father, he pursued formal art education in France after attending the distinguished Lycée Faidherbe. His talents and vision were so esteemed that Senegal’s first president, the revered poet-statesman Léopold Sédar Senghor, invited him to establish a national school of fine arts during the nation’s dawn of independence. Ndiaye’s painting Tabaski III, created in 1970 during his return to France, captures the Islamic Feast of Sacrifice, known locally in Wolof as Tabaski, celebrating Abraham’s devotion to God through a culturally resonant West African lens.
What makes Tabaski III particularly significant is Ndiaye’s blending of themes and techniques. He employs a painterly style that reflects his deep engagement with European old master paintings, a dialogue evidenced by the exhibition’s curated context alongside works by Rembrandt, Goya, Degas, Derain, and Bacon. This cross-cultural conversation is further enhanced by the inclusion of African sculptures, textiles, metalwork, and Islamic illuminations drawn from The Met’s extensive collections, illuminating the rich interplay between African heritage and European artistic traditions.
Through thoughtfully curated objects and insightful scholarly perspectives, this exhibition repositions Iba Ndiaye not only as a seminal African artist but as a vital voice in the broader panorama of modern art. Visitors are invited to explore how Ndiaye’s personal history and artistic language embody a remarkable synthesis of global influences and local identities, reflecting a profound journey between geographic and cultural coordinates—the latitudes and longitudes that shape artistic and human experience alike.
For a deeper exploration of Iba Ndiaye’s life and legacy and to discover related works in this landmark exhibition, please visit the official page at The Met – Iba Ndiaye: Between Latitude and Longitude.
