Visual Arts Showcase

In November, Packer was thrilled to welcome Brooklyn-based Senegalese artist Assane Sy as our Artist-in-Residence, a program designed to enrich our curriculum through connections with working artists. Assane’s acclaimed photographs have been exhibited widely, including at The Brooklyn Museum, The Africa Center, the International Center of Photography, Photoville, Soho House, Der Greif, The Wild Project Gallery, ArtsConnection, Soho Photo Gallery, and the 2025 New York Lives Art Gallery.

During his week-long visit, which kicked off our Packer in Action programming for the year, Assane engaged with students in all divisions through his photographs and the concept of Dëkkandoo, facilitating discussions rooted in curriculum in history, language, and art classes. 

In the Upper School, students in electives like “Advanced Topics in Imperialism” and “Africa Through the Lens” connected their global perspectives classwork to Assane’s exploration of Senegal, Francophone Africa, and contemporary cosmopolitan identity. Their discussions touched on multiculturalism, the meaning of community in the U.S. and Senegal, and the ongoing influence of colonial legacies. Assane also visited several Spanish and French language classes, expanding students’ learning through real-world cultural interaction and connection. Photography and studio art students spent time talking with Assane about visual storytelling, pursuing creative passions with purpose, and being active in your community.  

The residency included an exhibition of Assane’s photography entitled “Dëkkandoo Yi: Visualizing Neighbors and Collective Identity.” It centers on a Wolof concept often translated as “neighbor,” but more fully understood as a philosophy of community interconnectedness, interdependence, and belonging. The Shen Gallery saw a temporary makeover for the occasion, with yellow and red wallpapers complimenting the green carpet to represent Senegal, while blue symbolized the ocean separating the two places Assane calls home. The exhibit featured a blend of his masterful photographs on glossy metallic plates, arranged to convey a conversation between two worlds.

A festive opening reception included delicious Senegalese cuisine like nems, fataya, and beignets along with live music by a local kora player. Upper School photography students even assembled a photo booth outside the Shen for the occasion in tribute to the great West African studio photographers of the 1960's. To finish the week, Assane visited Upper School Chapel, where students had the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about his artistic process, fashion, film, and how the place he grew up inspired and shaped the artist he became.