Timbucktoo: Art With Intention
Somewhere under the belly of an inner city community, is an artist searching for a place of belonging. They are in desperate need of a place of calm and serenity amidst the noise that arises when "the artist checklist" is mentioned.
"The artist checklist" is anything that disqualifies artists, curators, exhibitors, collectors, and appreciators from "taking up space" within the art community. Even with the rise in artist communities across the world, many are still unsure of where they fit, and where to begin in the art space.
The fascinating thing about art is that it was designed to make one ask questions, and where there are questions, there are problem solvers. Masterminds, and Art Re-Presenters Mamadou Ndiaye Jr, and Derek Gauthier (Wayne) are creating remedies for every artist's woes in real time with their art technology company "Timbucktoo"!
Timbucktoo intentionally, passionately, and purposefully "empowers collectors and artists to manage art as a valuable asset." There is much that can and should be said about their practices from ensuring authenticity and facilitating royalties to their commitment to championing underrepresented artists. Today it's vital they are lauded for their dedication to the artist's heart. Art appreciates in value over time that is no secret, but more often than not, the artist depreciates over time, and Timbucktoo is actively changing that reality.
Timbucktoo: Art With Intention. // Check it out below:
Who are the masterminds behind Timbucktoo?
I'm Mamadou Ndiaye Jr, the Co-founder, and CEO of Timbucktoo, and I'm Derek Gauthier, I also go by Wayne, and I am the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Timbucktoo.
What does art mean to both of you, as individuals and as a collective?
Mamadou Ndiaye Jr:
For me, art represents the physical manifestation of our creativity, our essence, our history, and our story. From a collective perspective, art is one of the best tools and instruments for us to mend community.
Derek Gauthier:
I think for me it is so much about culture and the capturing, the storing of that. A lot of times we talk about art and we simply talk about the paintings of the world, we may talk about music, but I think it's so much deeper when it comes to the champion of that art, and how the community comes together, and promotes it and creates culture around that art. I think it's very deep, very deeply rooted in who we are and, how we create the environment around us.
Culture and identity seem to be a must for you two. I can feel that you two move with the spirit of intentionality, and I think art is just the beginning of what you're trying to create.
With that being said, why is it important to you that there is value in art and that people see that and other people connect with the value that that artist has? It's very easy to say "It's art", buy it, sell it, curate and exhibit it. But to you two, it seems like there can't be art without valuing it first, and there can't be art without the artist.
Derek Gauthier:
Absolutely. The keyword you said is “the value”, right? Oftentimes the craziest part about it is this: people outside of our community value our art, and we don't have the opportunity to one, benefit from that value and two, create that value ourselves. When we talk about art and why it's important from a value standpoint, it is one of those things that captures our culture. I think the other component of it is a lot of times our community is creating this value for the world, and we aren't able to, one, have control of that.
We don't really have any ownership, especially when we're talking about the increase in value. Of course, we know art appreciates, but often times we don't get that opportunity to rise with that appreciation. But more than anything, I think there's no explanation needed for culture and its value.
Why should people, in your opinion, support Timbucktoo? What makes you different from any other organization or platform with similar values?
Mamadou Ndiaye Jr:
With Timbucktoo, we are an art technology company and our main focus is ensuring that the artists and the collectors can build wealth with fine art and understand the history, the story, and the value of their art collection.
Our namesake, Timbucktoo, is paying homage to Timbuktu, the city within Mali, which was a very prominent hub within the Malian Empire. So when you hear names such as Mansa Musa, and all of these great civilizations like Timbuktu at the epicenter as a hub for culture, for community, a place you wanted go to to pursue scholarly endeavors.
What we wanted to do today and what sets us apart is the fact that we are creating that same feel, that same impact, today, but on a more modern and digital landscape. With Timbucktoo, we're focused on making sure that this ecosystem of fine art is truly accessible.
Oftentimes we'll feel like, "I don't have the education", "I don't have the class", or “the economic means to enjoy fine art”. But those are ideas that shouldn't exist in your thought process at all. Fine art is for all of us. What we want to do is make art accessible as an asset class and ensure that "US" creators and collectors can truly own this cultural capital.
We believe the future of art is in the hands of those who create, capture, and preserve its culture.
Mamadou Ndiaye Jr and Derek Gauthier (Wayne), thank you both so very much for your time and work, your efforts are necessary and will never go unnoticed.
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