We are beyond thrilled to present the debut solo museum exhibition of multidisciplinary artist Gio Swaby (b. 1991, Nassau, Bahamas), whose work explores the intersections of Blackness and womanhood. "Gio Swaby: Fresh Up" is co-organized with the Art Institute of Chicago, where it will open in 2023.

Employing the portrait genre and a range of textile-based techniques, Swaby’s work is anchored in a desire to present and celebrate the complex personalities of the sitters. Interested in restorative forms of resistance, she has stated, “My work operates in the context of understanding love as liberation, a healing, and restorative force. These pieces celebrate personal style, strength, beauty, individuality, and imperfections.”

👉 "Gio Swaby: Fresh Up" will be on view #AtTheMFA from May 28 through October 9, 2022. Learn more: bit.ly/mfafreshup

Made possible in part by generous support from The Margaret Acheson Stuart Society, Gobioff Foundation, Sonia Raymund Foundation Inc., James G. Sweeny, and Garth Family Foundation. Contributing support provided by the City of St. Petersburg and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Image: Gio Swaby, New Growth Second Chapter 7, 2021, Thread and fabric sewn on canvas, Collection of Jarrett and Miriam Annenberg