Bayefall - Mysticism as a form of Resistance

Adji Dieye

Title	Bayefall - Mysticism as a form of Resistance
Subtitle	ZHdK-Avina Fonds 2019
Author	Adji Dieye
Date	2019
Description	The project explores the topic of Islamic mysticism as a form of resistance by looking into the Mouride brotherhood in Senegal, with a special focus on Bayefallism, a further ramification of this branch of Islam. This allows for a differentiated perspective on the importance of historical background when discussing this religion on a global scale. Through videography and photography, notions of historical entanglements, self-representation and self-preservation can be explored. Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba emphasized the role of work, which he saw as a channel to become more intimate with God. “Sweet is what purifies the man from its sins,” a concept similar to those of the Franciscan monks. The man who exists for the community and the spiritual guide is named Bayefall, (a Wolof term that means Baye: father and Fall from the surname of the founder Cheikh Ibrahima Fall). The Bayefall are descendants of the founder Cheikh Ibrahima Fall, who decided to devote his life to spreading the word of Amadou Bamba by working for his community. Bayefall are exempt from some of the pillars of Islam, such as fasting and praying five times a day. They spend their time working for the brotherhood and the marabout, in the fields, during holidays and festivities and even in the congested streets of Dakar. Their way of living the Muslim faith emphasizes hard work, the value of sharing, food, dance, chants and the strength of the community. Through my camera, I was able to rediscover, feel and document the Bayefall way while also experiencing an intimate spiritual journey.
Internet links (URL)	www.adjidieye.com
Institutional affiliation	Dossier Internationales (OIN.alle) Master Fine Arts (DFA_FFA_MFA.alle)
Genre / discipline	Kunst