Gio Swaby embarks on an exploration of self-love and acceptance in his vibrant textile portraits — Colossal
Artistic craftsmanship
#fabric #Gio Swaby #identity #pattern #portraits #fabrics
“Together We Bloom 3” (2023), cotton fabric and stitched thread on muslin, 64 x 52 inches. All images © Gio Swaby, courtesy of Claire Oliver Gallery, shared with permission
From minimal outlines in black thread, emerge powerful portraits of black women in new large-scale textile pieces by the Toronto artist Gio Swaby (previously). Vibrant fabrics with an emphasis on florals dominate her newly titled body of work I will bloom anyway, viewing now at Claire Oliver Gallery, emphasizing brightness, joy and self-love. Focusing on a series of self-portraits, his recent works reflect on personal identity, embarking on an introspective journey towards acceptance and compassion.
Swaby’s interest in fabrics ties her to a childhood surrounded by the materials her mother often used in her dressmaking work. She was born and raised in the Bahamas before moving to Canada, where she has spent most of her adult life, and she taps into mixed feelings about belonging and navigates what she describes poetically as her « many selves of she » of her. She says, « I’ve been thinking a lot about my journey and have begun to recognize how many parts of me exist in the spaces between. »
In her near life-size self-portraits, the artist looks directly at the viewer but always appears relaxed, embracing quiet moments of rest. Loose threads occasionally abandon their outlines, dangling or wandering across the canvas as if they have a mind of their own, highlighting the never-ending process of growth, evolution and self-understanding.
I will still blossom runs until July 29 in Harlem and coincides with his solo exhibition Freshen up to the Art Institute of Chicagowhich continues until July 3. Find out more about the artist website and go Instagram.
“Where I Know You From 4” (2023) cotton fabric and stitched thread on muslin, 80 x 50 inches
“Where I Know You From 7” (2023), cotton fabric and stitched thread on muslin, 52 x 62 inches
“Where I Know You From 3” (2023) cotton fabric and stitched thread on muslin, 80 x 44 inches
“Where I Know You From 6” (2023), cotton fabric and stitched thread on muslin, 40 x 78 inches
“Self-Portrait 6” (2023), cotton canvas and stitched thread on muslin, 28 x 38 inches
“Where I Know You From 5” (2023), cotton fabric and thread stitched onto muslin, 50 x 96 inches
“Self-Portrait 5” (2023), cotton canvas and stitched thread on muslin, 28 x 38 inches
#fabric #Gio Swaby #identity #pattern #portraits #fabrics
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