Culture

Abi Salami

Uristocrat

Feb 23, 2024 — 2 min read

“I start off each painting by standing in front of the canvas... nervous, humble, vulnerable... and I ask myself “What would you do if you weren’t afraid”. Then I paint.” - Abi Salami

Abi Salami, a self-taught visionary artist, delves into large-scale surrealist works that reflect her experiences as a Nigerian immigrant and Black woman in the United States.

Utilizing a personal visual lexicon of symbols, she explores themes of sexuality, mental health, and race. Holding a Masters in Professional Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin, Salami transitioned from a decade in corporate America to painting full-time.

Her works offer a powerful critique of societal norms and stereotypes made up of symbols while exploring topics such as sexuality, mental health, and race.

Salami's art serves as both a personal exploration and a broader commentary on societal issues, employing a vibrant palette and dynamic compositions to engage and provoke thought in her audience.

She was the winner of the 2021 Hopper Prize. She was selected as a candidate of the Saatchi Art 2020 Rising Stars under 35 Class and a 2021 New Voices Top 100 Artists. She and her work have been featured in the Washington Post, New York Times, Artland, Artsy, D Magazine, Glasstire, and Patron Magazine.