Journal of a Lone Triplet: Mali

This project is rooted in my personal history. In 1995, my mother was pregnant with triplets, but I was born alone in 1996. This absence instilled in me a sense of solitude, even in moments when I am surrounded by others. It sparked
a deep curiosity about twinhood, its mystery, and its symbolism, particularly in African cultures. I strive to experience this bond through the stories of those fortunate enough to come into the world together.
In many societies across the African continent, twins are seen as extraordinary beings, bearers of wealth and blessings.
Journal of a Lone Triplet: Mali
My work began in Bamako, Mali, where twins are called filani. I met these families with the help of my friend Ibou,
a Malian photographer based in Bamako, who acted as my guide and translator, as most people spoke in Bambara.
I photographed people right where I met them, some in the streets, others in their homes.
I encountered families with contrasting stories: tales of prosperity, like a father who considers his twins the source of his stability, and the poignant struggles of mothers begging with their children. These narratives reflect a duality where sacredness clashes with precariousness. Often dressed identically by their parents, twins become living mirrors, emphasizing the importance of shared identity and familial bonds.
My artistic approach is immersive and personal. Each photograph is accompanied by fragments of text written directly around the images. These are field notes, sometimes descriptive, sometimes intimate reflections. They express my desire to create a connection between my own story and those of the twins I encounter.
This project is, in essence, an intimate logbook, a visual and narrative archive that conveys the cultural and human richness of twinhood while exploring the identity questions it raises.