A path will always appear
Bill Brady Gallery, Miami, US
November 29, 2022 - January 7, 2023
A path will always appear inspires each of us to reflect on our own fragility in the constant pursuit for contentment. It gestures to people who have had to migrate, whether this be physically, spiritually or mentally, in search of the answer. These artworks are painted with a certain vibrancy and with a confident recurring brushstroke, suggesting a complex and agitated history associated with the universal desire for fulfilment.
For example, the painting Sky Blue depicts a brother using a mobile phone, his precious solitary means of communication with family members living across the ocean. Although this scene can be perceived as a symbol of society’s addiction to technology, it serves as a gentle reminder that for some communities, this small device is their only pathway to support and connection with loved ones. King K and Beloved Brother are both inspired by ‘Kangas’ or ‘Lessos’, a printed fabric popular in Eastern Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Kenya. It is also prevalent in the coastal area where Swahili culture is settled, including Mozambique and Comoros.
By incorporating some of these iconic design references, such as the colourful, abstract shapes within the frames of the canvas, the artist is not only paying homage to his own Swahili culture but is shining a light on a traditional practice that deserves to travel for new audiences to see.