Praises Unsung
York Vitrines, FOFA Gallery | March 4 to May 24, 2024
Praises Unsung emerges as a poignant exploration of eldest daughter perspectives, within the tapestry of South Asian and African households. The exhibition breathes life into the multifaceted roles the women in Abdourahman’s family embody beyond the expectation of providing emotional stability and being selfless nurturers. This installation of paintings explores the resemblances between the dynamic and physically taxing roles of the eldest daughter and mother, an intergenerational cycle of caretaking.
Rejecting the narrative of “strength,” the paintings unearth moments of vulnerability and sensitivity. This departure from the “strong” archetype captures transformative moments of rest and relief from responsibility, challenging the rigidity of perfectionism, the notion of people pleasing, and lays bare the importance of prioritizing oneself.
In this installation, the bedroom acts as a safe haven for these women to decompress, take up space, and be “selfish.” In this moment, they can be their honest and vulnerable selves. The imagery resonates with stories of those who grew up ahead of their time, burdened by expectations.
Through gestural brushstrokes and moments of abstraction, a visual dialogue unfolds. The paintings abandon a strict depiction of reality and instead speak to the artist’s ability to centre feeling in their creative process.
Praises Unsung weaves a narrative of grace, a tribute to the endurance of these women, and an affirmation that embracing rest is an act of profound strength.
Acknowledgements
Sarah-Mecca wholeheartedly thanks her cousin Hanan Ismail. Hanan is also an eldest daughter and came up with the exhibition title.