Leila Walet Mohamed is a Tamasheq painter from Gao, in northern Mali. Now 36 years old, she gained public recognition with her exhibition “Heritage in Silence,” presented at the French Institute of Bamako. Her work, blending abstract painting with family memory, has established her as one of the rising voices of the contemporary Tuareg art scene.
Who is Leila Walet Mohamed?
Born in Gao 36 years ago, Leila Walet Mohamed grew up in a family where access to school was not guaranteed for girls. She was the first in her family to be enrolled in school, at the age of only twelve. This personal experience became the bedrock of her artistic work: she confesses that “learning to read and write changed the trajectory of my life,” a conviction that now permeates her entire creative and activist approach.
This journey shapes a body of work where the intimate meets the universal: every canvas becomes a space for transmission between the generations of women in her family—those who had access to education and those who were denied it.
The “Heritage in Silence” exhibition at the French Institute of Bamako
In 2026, Leila Walet Mohamed presented her exhibition “Heritage in Silence” at the French Institute of Bamako, a series of abstract canvases that earned her newfound acclaim. The works are distinguished by intense colors and concrete messages, driven by a firm commitment to girls’ education and the promotion of Tuareg culture. A public discussion with the artist was also organized alongside the exhibition.
Abstract painting nourished by Tuareg culture
Leila Walet Mohamed’s work is characterized by:
- Expressive abstraction: Non-figurative compositions dominated by vibrant, contrasting colors.
- References to Tuareg culture: Occasional use of letters in Tifinagh—the traditional Tuareg alphabet—integrated into the pictorial composition.
- A memorial dimension: Each painting dialogues with the artist’s family history and the silences passed down from generation to generation.
- Strong geographical roots: Her origins in Gao, northern Mali, permeate her entire visual universe.
A commitment to the education of girls and women
Beyond painting, Leila Walet Mohamed carries a strong personal commitment: the education of girls in Mali. As the first girl in her family to attend school, she has turned this into a battle that she continues through her art, paying tribute to the women in her family who did not have this opportunity. Her painting thus becomes a tool for advocacy as much as a space for memory and emancipation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Leila Walet Mohamed
- Who is Leila Walet Mohamed? Leila Walet Mohamed is a Tamasheq painter born in Gao, northern Mali, known for her exhibition “Heritage in Silence” and her advocacy for girls’ education.
- What is the “Heritage in Silence” exhibition? It is an exhibition of abstract paintings with intense colors, presented at the French Institute of Bamako in 2026, exploring family memory, Tuareg culture, and girls’ education.
- What is Leila Walet Mohamed’s artistic style? Her style combines abstract painting, intense colors, and elements of the Tifinagh script, connecting to Tuareg culture and her personal history.
- Where can one follow Leila Walet Mohamed’s work? Her work is visible on her official website and Instagram account (links below).
Follow Leila Walet Mohamed
- Instagram: instagram.com/leilawalet
- Website: leila-walet.com