Seeing Baya

Set against the backdrop of postwar Paris, this biography chronicles the life of Baya, a gifted young artist from colonial Algeria. Orphaned at nine, she was discovered by Marguerite Caminat, who became her mentor and surrogate mother. Their complex relationship shaped Baya's artistic journey, culminating in her 1947 exhibition that captivated cultural icons like Camus and Matisse. Alice Kaplan explores Baya's impact on modern art narratives while delving into the intricate dynamics of race, identity, and mentorship in a transformative era.