Senegal Mon 17-05-2010

Dak'Art: Monument de la Renaissance Africaine
Maggie Otieno/AfricanColours.com

Monument de la Renaissance Africaine is the sole concept of Senegal President Abdoulaye Wade. The artwork is the work of Senegalese architect Pierre Goudiaby (artistic name Atepa)

This grand monument houses a theatre, an exhibition hall and a museum! It is five storeys with the top floor being the head of the man. The sculpture construction started in 2002 and is now complete and waiting for an official opening at a date to be announced soon.

Though controversial with some sections of the Senegalese population opposing its construction on religious grounds, citizens of Dakar are waiting with bated breath for the final opening of this public space.

Senegal has had the privilege of having presidents who are art patrons and enthusiastic about leaving an artistic legacy for their people. Because of this reason, the Senegalese are some of the most artistically inclined people in Africa and hold art close to their hearts.

The monument stands 52 meters high made out of Bronze and copper. The sculpture depicts a couple and their child pointing towards the sea.

The Monument which overlooks the capital of Senegal was constructed by a North Korean company.