Stacey Gillian Abe

Stacey Gillian Abe, an artist whose work intricately explores the depths of identity, gender, spirituality, and cultural mysticism, crafts autobiographical narratives that stem from her personal experiences as a black woman. Her art, rich in surreal and mystical elements, delves into the complexity of stereotypical perceptions, focusing on the mind's flexibility and resilience. Abe creates imagined spaces that serve as a canvas for her to confront and dissect unsettling narratives about the past and present, offering nuanced critiques and insights into her identity.

Abe's work is distinguished by its experimental approach, as she ventures into diverse mediums such as glass, ceramics, fibers, textures, and light photography. Her fascination with handcrafted techniques is evident in her use of tying, binding, stitching, clustering, and pairing, which she employs to construct layered metaphorical narratives. Each piece she creates is context-specific, inviting varied interpretations and reflecting on themes of self-resilience and overcoming adversity.

Her main exhibitions include "INDULGENCE" showcased in Nairobi, Kenya, and Johannesburg, South Africa; "Being Her(e)" as part of the KAURU Contemporary Art Project in Luanda, Angola; and "Kampala Contemporary" by Circle Art Agency in Nairobi, Kenya. Abe has also participated in notable art fairs such as the 1:54 Art Fair in New York, USA, the Cape Town Art Fair in South Africa, and the Johannesburg Art Fair.

Abe's work has found a home in private collections across Portugal, South Africa, and London, as well as esteemed institutions like the Moleskine Foundation in Milan, Italy, the Gusii Institute of Technology in Nairobi, Kenya, and the Foundation Blachere in Dakar, Senegal. Through her art, Stacey Gillian Abe continues to push boundaries and challenge conventional narratives, solidifying her position as a pivotal voice in contemporary art.

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