MALIKE SADIBE

malikesidibe.com

Although his name spells almost exactly the same as the well known Malian photographer Malick Sidibe, 23 year-old Malike Sidibe offers a surrealistic dreamlike take on image-making. At his core, Malike is an artist. He was born in Man, Cote d’Ivoire and moved to Guinea when he was 3 years old. He Fell in love with photography at age 12 when his father gave him his first camera. He moved to NYC from Guinea in the summer of 2010 at the age of 13. Starting out as a menswear design major, he attended fashion classes at The Fashion Institute of Technology, where he discovered that he enjoyed taking pictures of the clothing more than designing the clothes. In 2013, Malike joined a nonprofit after-school program called NYC SALT, where he discovered photography is his true passion and path.

Malike’s work is a reflection of his creative nature, his inspiration is drawn by the people he meets and the places he has lived. He is a high-energy creative photographer producing innovative portraits and images full of spirit and color. Malike is dedicated to creating timeless images. His clients include: The Met Museum, TIME, The New York Times Mag, Elle Decor, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, New York Magazine, Instagram, Business Week, Nike, Nikon, Footlocke

How long have you been a photographer?
I bought my first camera in 2013, So I’ve been taking pictures for about 7 years. Professionally for 4 years.

What is it about photography that you find important?

There are a lot of things about photography that I find important. Photography started as a passion for me but along the way I learned how to express my myself, my ideas, beliefs & values through the camera lens. I am enamored with the idea of being able to use my camera to help make the world a better place. I want to use my beliefs, I want to use my camera for a purpose, to have an impact.
The most integral part for me is to take that self expression and connect it with the emotions and movements of the world at large. Now more than ever, freedom of press is critical for stories to be told without filter, to hold people accountable for their actions; I want to do my part in reshaping the world to be a better place.

Who are the people, photographers, organizations that have impacted your photography?

I’ve had a lot of great people in my life that have played a big role in my life and impacted my photography by shepherding my career: Alicia Hansen, Adam Chinitz, Michael Bocchieri, Robert Stern, Michael Kamanski and Scott Thode just to name a few.
I could go on days about how these people have impacted me as a person and a photographer, but I wouldn’t have met any of them if it wasn’t for NYC SALT. Salt is a non-profit photography program based here in NY. I joined the program when I was a senior in high school 2014. It is where my photography career began, from learning how to really use my camera, to getting hands on experience and mentorship from professional photographers in the industry, and to helping secure my first gallery show. Salt has been there for me in every aspect of my photography career.

What inspires you?

I get my inspiration from the simplest things in life, from the people I meet to the places I’ve been. I use everything I learn from people, cultures, & religions and apply it to my work. My work is all based around freedom of expression; my goal has always been to translate this philosophy in my work. I am a very open minded person, the kind person you’d put in any room – I will find a way to fit in & still stay true to myself.

Tell us what prompted you to photograph the George Floyd protests in NYC? Were you on assignment? If so, for who?

May 29th, 2020 was the day I saw the video of George Floyd and it filled me with sadness and a need for action. There was no assignment; I just felt motivated to hit the streets and be part of a larger movement for change, but at the last minute I decided to bring my camera with me, which ended up being an important vehicle to provide testimony to the people at the frontlines.

Is there anything specific that you can tell us ,about the image below, that had such an impact?

Seeing this kid being physically restrained very aggressively by the “justice” system is a perfect example of what is happening to young black teenagers my age. The shirt that the kid is wearing says “Please Stop the Violence,” an ironic statement that highlights disparity and injustice in America.
What are you photographing now?
Currently, when I am not photographing for an assignment I am working on my personal projects. I’ve been focusing onM ammyi wata underwater photo series, as well as figuring out new ways to continue to do my pop up portrait booth.