Art Review: Uman’s Diasporic Abstraction at the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
Walking into the exhibit “Uman: After all the things…” at the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield, Connecticut, one is immediately struck by the ethereal quality of the works on display. Each piece seems to float and shift, inviting the viewer to explore the spaces between the homeland that has been lost and the one that is being dreamt back into existence.
In one gallery, black and white dots meander across the walls, encircling pieces like “and it’s the thing again” and “ayoyo’s warmness.” These works, with their vibrant colors and abstract forms, evoke a sense of movement and fluidity. The paintings seem to capture fleeting memories, with shapes and colors that hint at familiar landscapes and objects.
Uman’s use of bold brushstrokes and vivid hues creates a sense of urgency and immediacy in her work. The paintings feel raw and unfiltered, as if each mark on the canvas was made without hesitation. This spontaneity gives the pieces a sense of authenticity and emotion, drawing the viewer into a world of shifting shapes and colors.
One of the standout pieces in the exhibit is “melancholia in a snowy walk,” a swirling composition of spirals and spines that evokes a cosmic landscape. Set against deep red walls, the painting exudes a sense of primordial energy, inviting the viewer to get lost in its intricate details.
Throughout the exhibit, Uman’s symbols remain enigmatic and open to interpretation. Circles, spirals, and arrows dance across the canvas, hinting at hidden meanings and personal narratives. These symbols serve as a bridge between the familiar and the unknown, inviting the viewer to explore the space between recognition and estrangement.
In Uman’s hands, abstraction becomes a vessel for carrying the weight of diasporic experience. Her paintings capture the essence of loss and longing, as well as the resilience and hope that come with forging a new identity in a foreign land. Each piece is a meditation on memory and belonging, a reflection of the artist’s journey from Somalia to Upstate New York and beyond.
“Uman: After all the things…” is a powerful exploration of identity, displacement, and the search for home in a world that is constantly changing. Through her vibrant and dynamic works, Uman invites the viewer to contemplate the distance between the past and the present, the known and the unknown. The exhibit is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and connect us to our shared humanity.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Uman’s Diasporic Abstraction at the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum. The exhibit runs through May 10 and is curated by Amy Smith-Stewart.
