SYNTHESIS CURATED FOR YOUSSOUF FOFANA
Synthesis Curated for Youssouf Fofana is a project supported by Jordan Brand launched on the occasion of their exhibition initiative District 23 and the Summer of Basketball Culture. An exploration of the African diaspora — in particular creatives connected to North and West Africa (where Fofana finds his roots) — in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, with a look at how sport and shared culture can create community.
From exploring the inter-African football matches at Square Leon, where aunties are selling their craft and foods to onlookers, to the exploration of Senegalese handcraft, textile and embroidery, to new takes on French classic cuisine, the issue explores the ideas around a synthesis of French identity, where the children of immigrants have created their own lines of creative expression that call on their blended heritage of two homes — in Paris and from the continent.
Contributors include:
Aby Gaye, Alassan Diawara, Alexandre Zongo, Amy Sall, Annie Vallet, Axel Auréjac, Diadié Diombana, Djamal Saka, Eva Diallo, Glory Kabe, Harlem Lamine, Haroun, Ilyes Griyeb, Inès di Folco Jemni, Khalilou Fadiga, Laye Mar, Loick Mfoundou, Lou Assous, Marianne Costade, Maty Biayenda, Maya-Inès Touam, Mory Sacko, Moya Diomande, Mustapha, Belhocine, Ramata- Toulaye Sy, Wu Yué, Xulybët, Yanma Fofana
“So, this is for you: kids of the neighbourhood or the banlieue. This is for you: kids of Paris. This is for us, who grew up in places where walking from block to block felt like stepping from one world into another. This is for us, whose parents carried striped and chequered shopping bags around everywhere, readying to send precious mementos between continents. “
Guest Curator YOUSSOUF FOFANA
Editor-in-Chief BLAKE ABBIE
Editors ALBERT SHYONG, FRÉDÉRIC LEGON
Art Direction MIKE MEIRÉ
Graphic Design ELSA MUELLER, CHRISTOPHER TROESTER
Illustration VERYES
Publisher FATINE LAYT
Chief Operations Officer MICKAEL BERRET
Managing Editor EMMA HAIKONEN