Abi Mustapha: Recent Work

Artist Statement:

This collection invites viewers to experience a harmonious fusion of contemporary portraiture dripping in vibrant botanical landscapes. Each piece in this exhibition celebrates the grace of human expressions amidst a tapestry of blooming flora. My hope is to elicit a sense of reverence for the magic of our interconnectedness and complexity.

About the Artist: Abi Mustapha is a Sierra Leonean/American contemporary artist and a dedicated community builder. She earned her BA in Political Science with a focus on Sustainability from Indiana University before embarking on a career in sustainable agriculture and permaculture. In 2013, she made the conscious decision to relocate from Indiana to the Bay Area to pursue her passion for art. Her artistic journey has led to exhibitions in galleries and museums across the Midwest and Bay Area, including notable venues such as the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, Garret Museum of Art, Richmond Art Center, and Joyce Gordon Gallery. In 2021 she was the Artist in Residence for the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History.

Beyond her artistry, Abi actively engages with the Santa Cruz community. She has played a pivotal role in founding and participating in racial justice initiatives in Santa Cruz over the past several years. Her creative expression is deeply rooted in the themes of human connection and nature, and her artistic repertoire encompasses murals, illustration, digital art, and portraiture. She is currently the Artist-in-Residence at Housing Matters with a yearlong grant from the Central Coast Creative Corp. For more information about Abi and her work, please visit Abimustapha.com or @Abimustapha on Instagram

Top image: Abi Mustapha, Dionaea, 2024, 30″ x 24″, Oil and Acrylic on Canvas