Granite Art captivates tourists and locals at Laongo Symposium in Burkina Faso

Seventeen sculptors from nine African and European nations have gathered in the village of Laongo, 35 kilometers from Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, for the 14th edition of the international granite sculpture symposium. The event, which kicked off on October 11, is a platform for artists to create and showcase monumental works, using the vast granite outcrops in the area as their canvas.

Among the sculptors is Malian artist Indépendance Dougnon, who is participating in the symposium for the first time. Armed with a jackhammer and grinder, Dougnon is working on a piece that symbolizes love and coexistence.

“My work speaks of coexistence, represented through two figures of opposite genders standing together,” Dougnon said. “It is important to spread love everywhere. This experience has been incredible for me, especially getting the chance to meet other artists and exchange ideas.”

The symposium, which is known for attracting both emerging and veteran sculptors, brings together a diverse range of perspectives and artistic styles. While some artists focus on personal or abstract themes, others, like Burkinabè sculptor Karim Tapsoba, draw inspiration from cultural traditions.

Tapsoba, a veteran of three previous symposiums, is using his sculpture to explore the theme of communication, particularly the transition from traditional oral methods to modern technology.

“I’m focusing on the tradition of communication from mouth to ear,” Tapsoba said. “That’s the essence of oral communication. But with the evolution of modern technology, we now have antennas and other innovations that expand communication far beyond its original form.”

Laongo, which started as an ambitious project to turn natural granite formations into artistic landmarks, has evolved into an open-air museum that draws visitors year-round. Since its inception in 1988, more than 60 artists from around the world have contributed to the site, leaving behind over 2,000 sculptures.

For visitors like Parfait Zongo, the symposium offers an opportunity to engage with art in a natural setting.

“These sculptures make people reflect on the past, the present, and even the future,” Zongo said. “It’s a wonderful initiative because it helps people get to know the artists’ work and learn a lot in the process.”

The event also plays a crucial role in promoting Burkina Faso as a cultural destination. What began as a creative gathering has turned Laongo into one of the country’s most visited tourist sites.

“Coming into the bush, meeting these granite outcrops, and leaving our imprint on them for future generations felt like a mission,” said Siriky Ki, the symposium’s founder. “Today, Laongo has become a major tourist destination, receiving visitors from all over the world.”

The site’s transformation from an isolated village to an international cultural hub is a testament to the vision and perseverance of its organizers and artists. Ki’s dream of turning the granite outcrops into an artistic landscape has been realized, with Laongo now hosting sculptures that tell stories of heritage, innovation, and human connection.

As this year’s symposium draws to a close, the collection continues to grow, offering an extraordinary spectacle to visitors. The array of sculptures—spanning themes of love, communication, and tradition—showcase the creativity and skill of the participating artists.

The organizers hope that the legacy of the symposium will continue to inspire future generations of artists and visitors alike. For the artists, the experience offers more than just an opportunity to create—it’s a chance to connect with peers from across the world and contribute to a lasting cultural movement.

“We come here to leave our mark on the rocks,” Ki said. “And in doing so, we leave behind something for others to discover and appreciate long after we’re gone.”

With over three decades of history and a growing collection of works, Laongo stands as a monument to the power of art to bridge cultures, preserve traditions, and inspire future generations.