Born in Diré, Mali, Abdoulaye Konaté studied at the Institut National des Arts in Bamako and later at the Higher Institute of Art in Havana, Cuba. His practice emerged from a background in painting, though he transitioned to textile-based media to engage more directly with the cultural heritage and material history of his home country.

Konaté is best known for his monumental wall hangings, which utilize strips of hand-woven and dyed cotton. These works often feature intricate geometric patterns and vibrant color palettes, serving as both aesthetic objects and commentaries on global issues such as climate change, conflict, and the AIDS epidemic.

His work continues to gain institutional recognition, with his pieces held in major international collections. Recent developments include the inclusion of his work in significant museum acquisitions, such as the recent donation of works by African and diaspora artists to the Tate collection.