Ugandan artist, Stacey Gillian Abe, paints radiant portraits that transcend conventional representations of Black womanhood, offering a profound exploration of identity and empowerment. Her use of indigo as a dominant colour symbolizes a tribe of sisters that are unbounded by societal constraints, a poignant expression of unapologetic vulnerability and femininity of Black women, reflecting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Gender Equality.
Abe's multidisciplinary approach, spanning photography, sculpture, installation, performance, and painting, highlights the strengths and fragility of the female mind, challenging stereotypes associated with Black women. Her 2017 photography series, Seat of Honor, explores power and position, using a throne adorned with ceramic vaginas to symbolize the acceptance of femininity.
Abe's artistic journey however is rooted in her passion for creativity from a young age, which manifested in paintings that exist beyond temporal reality. Her paintings like Last Night evoke nostalgia, capturing the essence of Abe's teenage years and the influential figures who shaped them. The indigo hue, a consistent element, becomes a vehicle for exploring social change and envisioning a future free from limitations.
The choice of indigo extends beyond its visual impact; it holds historical significance, referencing African textile traditions and the East African slave trade. Indigo becomes a metaphor for a tribe unconfined by social, economic, and political constraints, as articulated by Abe herself. Through her art, she envisions a world where Black individuals are free, unapologetic, and occupying spaces only imaginable.
Vulnerability is a recurring theme in Abe's work, evident in the intimate posing and unflinching eye contact of her subjects. Her painting The Farmer's Daughter, in particular, challenges historical narratives that have confined Black women to restrictive categories. In the words of art historian Tayler Friar, Abe's work becomes a form of resistance, reclaiming traditionally diminishing labels and establishing the Black female body as a source of empowerment.
Abe's portraits not only challenge societal norms but also delve into the emotional depth of her subjects, as seen in A Line From My Favorite Novel. The pleading and questioning gaze of the woman in the painting symbolizes a universal practice, embodying the heart of Abe's work and its exploration of gender, identity, and spirituality.
(Left) The Farmer’s Daughter by Stacey Gillian Abe. Image courtesy of Unit London. (Right) Last Night by Stacey Gillian Abe. Image courtesy of Artsy.
In Shrub-let of Old Ayivu, Abe's first solo exhibition at Unit London, she explores memory, time, and emotion. The jute plant, a totem for the Ayivu clan, becomes a motif connecting various paintings, representing generational memory and growth. The exhibition questions how memories are shared and transmitted through art, creating a tapestry of interwoven threads that tell unique stories.
Stacey Gillian Abe's impact extends beyond the canvas; it's a testament to her commitment to inspiring and motivating communities, especially women. Her recognition on the Forbes Africa 30 under 30 Creatives list and international exhibitions further solidify her influence in the art world. As she continues to push boundaries and challenge narratives, Abe's art becomes a powerful instrument for envisioning a future of gender equality and empowerment.