Assane Sy: Through the Lens of Tradition and Innovation

Assane Sy, capturing stories one frame at a time.

In the heart of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, Senegalese-born artist Assane Sy is reshaping how we see culture, community, and self-expression. Since moving to New York in 2018, Assane has embraced his neighborhood’s vibrant diversity, channeling it into evocative art that weaves together tradition and modernity. His recent exhibition, A New Multiculturalism: Exploring Tradition and Self through Fashion and Photography, at the Africa Center, is a testament to his ability to merge cultural roots with contemporary aesthetics.

“This city is a melting pot,” Assane shared in a recent interview. “Living in Bed-Stuy gave me a sense of belonging while reminding me of my home in Senegal. Through my work, I want to honor those dualities and the people I photograph.” 

Assane’s journey from northern Senegal to Brooklyn is a story of adaptation and creativity. Growing up in a Toucouleur cultural context, he was surrounded by traditions steeped in storytelling, visual symbolism, and collective identity. These influences are evident in his work, where the past and present intersect in striking ways. While many artists struggle to balance their heritage with the demands of modernity, Assane has embraced both, creating a body of work that feels timeless yet distinctly of its moment.

He often cites Malian photographer Malick Sidibé as an influence, admiring Sidibé’s ability to capture the vitality of life in 1960s Mali. But Assane’s visual language doesn’t stop at homage; it builds on it.

Drawing from the compositions of Senegalese filmmakers like Moussa Touré and Joseph Gaï Ramaka, as well as the music of Mos Def and Kendrick Lamar, Assane’s work fuses cultural specificity with global relevance. His images are more than photographs—they’re narratives, each one unfolding a story of belonging, resistance, and reinvention.

In A New Multiculturalism, Assane collaborated with stylist Mo to create a series of 21 photographs that explore identity through fashion. The exhibition is divided into five acts, each reflecting different facets of selfhood and community. From the regal poise of his subjects to the bold, layered styling, each image feels like a celebration of individuality shaped by African culture and its diasporic connections. Assane's photographs reflect the delicate balance between standing out and belonging--showing how identity can flourish within a collective story.

For Assane, fashion is not just aesthetic; it’s deeply symbolic. “Fashion is a way to tell stories without words,” he said. “It’s about how we see ourselves and how we want to be seen by others. It’s about heritage, creativity, and freedom.” His collaborations with major brands like Levi’s, as well as features in Vogue, have amplified his message, bringing his work to global audiences while staying grounded in the local communities that inspire him.

The impact of Assane’s work extends far beyond gallery walls. Speaking with Jasmine Carter, a 20-year-old Bed-Stuy native and aspiring artist, it’s clear that his art resonates deeply with those who share his neighborhood. “When I first saw Assane’s photographs, I felt seen,” Jasmine said. “His subjects look like the people I grew up with—my neighbors, my family, my friends. It’s like he’s telling our story, but with so much beauty and pride.” Jasmine, who is studying visual arts at Pratt Institute, credits Assane’s work with inspiring her to explore her own identity through art. “He makes me think about what it means to represent where you come from and still dream big.”

Assane’s ability to inspire goes beyond the boundaries of fashion and art. His work touches individuals from all walks of life, encouraging them to explore their own creative potential. College student Dylan Blake, a senior at NYU studying computer science, recalled an unexpected encounter that connected him to the world of fashion and art. “I was outside 242 on Mulberry Street with my roommate when a creative director from Standard and Strange came up to me and asked if I’d be interested in modeling for a shoot. I was camera shy at first but decided to give it a try,” Dylan shared. That experience sparked an unexpected connection to the world of visual storytelling and gave him a deeper appreciation for artists like Assane.

“Assane’s work inspires me because it feels so intentional. It’s not just about fashion or photography—it’s about creating a world you want to live in,” Dylan said.

As someone with dreams of starting a culinary business rooted in his own community, Dylan admires how Assane’s art brings people together. “I hope to build something where people feel like they’re part of an experience, just like Assane does with his work. He’s creating spaces for people to see themselves and feel valued, and that’s the kind of energy I want to bring to my own projects.”

This sense of connection is central to Assane’s mission. Collaboration has always been at the heart of his creative process, whether it’s through his work with Mo or his initiatives like Jollof Films, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating African filmmakers. Assane’s role as a co-founder of WESHHH, a multidisciplinary artist collective, further exemplifies his commitment to creating spaces where diverse voices can thrive. By working together, he believes, artists can challenge dominant narratives and create new ones.

Art, for Assane, is a way to bridge divides—between generations, cultures, and perspectives. His photographs often feature a mix of Senegalese motifs and Brooklyn aesthetics, reflecting his dual identity. Patterns inspired by traditional textiles are paired with contemporary streetwear, creating a dialogue between the old and the new. In one striking image from A New Multiculturalism, a subject wears a boldly colored boubou while standing against a backdrop of graffiti-covered walls. The contrast is intentional, highlighting the interplay between heritage and urban life.

Photo by Assane Sy on assanesy.art

The importance of this dialogue is underscored by the broader themes in Assane’s work. His exhibitions, including The Sun & Moon Share the Same Bed and Beauty in Art, delve into questions of representation and self-definition. They challenge viewers to consider who gets to define culture and whose stories are told. For Assane, the answer lies in reclaiming these narratives and centering them on the communities that create them.

Assane’s ability to connect with his subjects is one of his greatest strengths. “When he’s behind the camera, you can feel his care,” Mo said in a recent interview. “It’s not just about the image—it’s about the person, their story, their energy. That’s what makes his work so powerful.”

This care is evident in Assane’s approach to fashion photography. His images often feature intricate styling, with layers of meaning embedded in every detail. Whether it’s a necklace that recalls a family heirloom or a pose that echoes traditional dances, his work is filled with subtle nods to cultural history. At the same time, it’s refreshingly modern, reflecting the fluidity and hybridity of diasporic identities.

Assane’s work has also gained recognition on the international stage with exhibitions at the Brooklyn Museum, the Africa Center, and others, that have cemented his reputation as a rising star in the art world. Yet, he remains deeply connected to his roots in Bed-Stuy. “This community is my foundation,” he said. “It’s where I found my voice as an artist. Everything I do comes back to this place and these people.”

For Jasmine, this connection is what makes Assane’s work so meaningful. “He shows that you don’t have to choose between your heritage and where you are now,” she said. “You can be both, and that’s what makes you strong.”

As Assane looks to the future, his vision remains clear. Through his photography, fashion collaborations, and community initiatives, he’s creating a space where tradition and innovation coexist. His work reminds us that identity is not static but ever-evolving, shaped by the people, places, and histories we carry with us.

“I want my art to be a bridge,” he said. “A bridge between cultures, generations, and ways of seeing. That’s the beauty of storytelling—it connects us, even when words fall short.”

With upcoming projects on the horizon and a growing platform, Assane Sy is poised to continue his journey as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary art. Through his lens, we see not just the world as it is but as it could be—a place where diversity is celebrated and every story matters.

Visit this link to learn more about Assane and his work! https://assanesy.art/work