From the bustling streets of New York City to the revered halls of London’s Hauser & Wirth gallery, the remarkable journey of an artist who once sold her creations on the sidewalk is a testament to the transformative power of art. Uman, a talent born amidst the turmoil of the Somali Civil War, has seen her vibrant works transition from the transient audiences of Union Square to the esteemed spaces of big galleries. This is a story of movement, not just in the geographical sense but also in the progression of an artist’s career and the evolution of her creative expression.
“I’m more of a fan of the destination,” Uman confessed, reflecting on her journey marked by migrations and significant shifts in her living environments. Each move from Somalia to Denmark and eventually to New York City has been a chapter in her life, enriching her palette with diverse experiences. Uman’s disdain for the process of travel contrasts sharply with her embrace of diverse cultures and histories, which vividly inform her art. Her transition to upstate New York marked a pivotal moment where she found the tranquility necessary for her creativity to flourish. “I felt like the city was not very conducive to my creativity,” she explained, highlighting the importance of environment in her artistic process.
Uman’s current exhibition, “Darling Sweetie, Sweetie Darling,” is a bold declaration of her journey and influences. The show features seven large-scale paintings, each a riot of color and emotion, drawing heavily from her childhood memories and the sensory overload of her early experiences in Kenya. “Most of my memories are of Kenya, and (there), everything was just sensory. And I think that’s part of what comes out in my work,” Uman shared. Her works are a dialogue between her past and present, with motifs and colors that speak of her roots and her identity as a trans artist.
Her technique is as unique as her story, often stretching canvases by hand and opting for cotton over linen for its color-carrying capacity and economic benefits. Uman’s approach to painting is instinctual, directly channeling her emotions and experiences onto the canvas. “I never, ever plan it,” she stated, revealing the depth of her connection to her work.
As Uman looks forward to her first US museum solo exhibition at The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Connecticut, her reflections on her journey resonate with a philosophy of perpetual motion and growth. “I don’t think my goal would be returning to my past. I kind of like that idea of never looking back. Just keep moving forward,” she mused, encapsulating the essence of her artistic and personal evolution.
Uman’s story is not just about the transition from street artist to gallery sensation; it’s a narrative of resilience, adaptation, and the unyielding pursuit of self-expression. Her work, now celebrated in prestigious spaces, inspires and captivates, proving that true art knows no boundaries and that every artist’s journey is a masterpiece.
