M'be yan I (I'm Here) (2018) forms part of a robust range of new artworks obtained by the institution over the past six months, encompassing a variety of media including photography, painting, ceramic, textile, film and more.

“Our curators have deeply researched artworks and under-recognized artists from around the world and Northern California to identify works of art that are meaningful for our audiences and can speak to new ways of telling the history of art,” remarked Christopher Bedford, SFMOMA’s Helen and Charles Schwab Director. “These significant acquisitions are important examples of SFMOMA’s support for the art of our time and demonstrate the vital role of art and artists in contemporary life.”

Other artists whose work has also been acquired includes Emanoel Araujo, Shigeru Ban, Jean LaMarr, Lee ShinJa, Richard Mayhew, Steve McQueen, Oscar Muñoz, Catherine Opie, Trevor Paglen, Lorna Simpson and Takako Yamaguchi.

ABOUT CHEICK DIALLO

Cheick Diallo’s impeccable furniture and objects challenge common perceptions of African design with their mix of centuries-old craftsmanship and contemporary sensibility. “I don’t have an interest in design if it is only to remake that which already exists,” he has declared. He and his team of craftsmen produce works of impeccable finish that play ambiguously with the notion of luxury, manufacturing objects from everyday, locally sourced detritus such as bottle tops, fishing wire, leather, old tyres, and of course, scrap metal.