In commemoration of Women’s month, we took some time to reflect on how far the creative industry has come in terms of equality and to highlight some of the incredible women in the industry. In this conversation, we speak about influences, progress, obstacles and the change they want to see.
Stacey Gillian Abe is an artist, and an aspiring philanthropist. Her practice includes photography, sculpture, installation, performance and painting with concepts that highlight the strengths and fragility of the female mind, seen as autobiographical and drawn from past experiences. They attempt to critique stereotypical depictions of her as a black woman.
Each space that Gillian works on has its own contexts and gets its own interpretations; it also springs views on self-resilience and what can be overcome. She has incorporated a metaphorical and experimental approach to her work through her interest in exploring new techniques with parallel mediums like glass and ceramics, fibres, textures and light photography.
She has received the IWALEWA art award (2019), ABSA L’artelier art award (2018) and is a Forbes Africa 30 under 30 honoree.
Influence
Besides memories from the past and continuous experience, my family has been my biggest influence but most of all, my mother has to a greater extent influenced a large part of who I am and this materializes as autobiographical visual concepts in my work.
Recognition
I think it’s been long overdue and it’s about time real attention was paid to what women contribute in this industry. I am happy that spotlights are glowing.
Obstacles/Inequities
Yes. I have to work twice as hard to assert and validate my position and abilities.
Advice
I’d say trust the process. Trusting the process comes with passion, patience and all those in a bag of focus.
''Besides creating room for equality, seeing more safe spaces for women in and out of the working environment goes a long way into boosting confidence and productivity.''
Changes
The changes I would love to see are; besides creating room for equality, seeing more safe spaces for women in and out of the working environment goes a long way into boosting confidence and productivity.
Like any other artist, Stacey spends half of her time in studio coming up with creative work. She also uses Instagram to share her processes, so you can check her out @stacey_gillian_abe , and keep up with her skill and talent.