Photo : Expo-Senghor
In the company of Senghor
Step beyond the image of the isolated poet to encounter a visionary statesman and master diplomat. This photography exhibition in the Batignolles district showcases a leader who turned international relations into an artistic dialogue. You will explore rare archives that capture historical figures and global creators united by a common passion for culture.
Bibliothèque des Batignolles (Paris 17th)
About
Discover a new perspective on Léopold Sédar Senghor at the Bibliothèque des Batignolles with the exhibition En compagnie de Senghor: quand la Culture rencontre la diplomatie. Running from October 13 to December 31, 2026, this photographic collection explores Senghor's role as a statesman, diplomat, and advocate for Senegalese art. Through images from the Jean-Gérard Bosio archive, visitors can observe his meetings with political figures like Georges Pompidou and artists like Marc Chagall. The exhibition is free to attend and the venue is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can explore this significant historical narrative in the heart of Paris's 17th arrondissement.
On the occasion of the meeting with author Claire Riffard on Thursday, November 5th at 6:30 PM for the release of her book 'Dans l'atelier de Léopold Sédar Senghor', we are offering the exhibition 'In the company of Senghor: when Culture meets diplomacy' at the Batignolles library from October 13th to December 31st, 2026.
This exhibition presents a new side of Léopold Sédar Senghor. Not that of the solitary poet, writing in the privacy of his room after long walks on the beach, but that of the public figure: a deputy meeting his constituents in a Senegalese village, a president on an official trip alongside Georges Pompidou, or discovering a work of art in the company of painter Marc Chagall.
The photographs come from the Jean-Gérard Bosio archive collection. Upon the recommendation of Georges Pompidou to his friend Senghor, Jean-Gérard Bosio worked alongside the Senegalese president starting in 1968, with the mission of gaining international recognition for Senegalese artists and art. He was notably the initiator of exhibitions by world-renowned artists (Picasso, Chagall, Soulages, Manessier...) at the Musée dynamique in Dakar, as well as the 'Senegalese Art' exhibition held at the Grand Palais in Paris in 1974. His archive collection, which has been open since 1969, is rich in documents, correspondence, and works of art, making it a first-rate literary and artistic ensemble.
The exhibition has already been hosted at the CNRS Pouchet site and the Cité Universitaire before arriving at our library.
Our take on this event
Explore the life of Léopold Sédar Senghor beyond his poetry through the lens of Jean-Gérard Bosio, who worked closely with the Senegalese president from 1968 to promote Senegalese art internationally. This exhibition highlights his public life, capturing moments as a deputy with his constituents, official visits with Georges Pompidou, and encounters with renowned artists such as Marc Chagall. These photographs, drawn from a collection rich in correspondence and artistic documentation, reveal the bridge between culture and diplomacy during his presidency.
Additionally, the library will host a special talk with author Claire Riffard on Thursday, November 5 at 18:30 to discuss her book, Dans l'atelier de Léopold Sédar Senghor. Following its previous display at the CNRS Pouchet site and the Cité Universitaire, the exhibition is now open at the Bibliothèque des Batignolles until December 31, 2026. Admission is free for all visitors.
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