Rugiyatou Jallow: Find Her on the Trail of Truth

ARTIST STATEMENT

Our skin does not define us. My paintings will transport you into a world of

questions and pride. Growing up, my father would constantly speak of the

pride he has for his Gambian heritage, sparking my own feelings of being

drawn to African culture and finding a sense of home. The other side of the

coin is my Swedish mother, who inspired my love for nature and firm belief

in the empowerment of women. I was raised by two pillars of strength, but

my paintings raise the question of what it is to be of a darker complexion.

What does it mean to be darker and not dark enough simultaneously? My

use of acrylic paint captures the dynamic beauty of black and mixed

women, and my integration of surrealism highlights the incongruity of skin

and identity. These portraits invite you to an array of emotions and lead you

to the notion that our skin does not define us.