Throughout the past four decades, British artistLubaina Himidhas leaned into big questions.
How can the African diaspora become more visible to the world?
What are the ongoing effects of colonialism, of slavery?
An installation shot of “Lubaina Himid: Make Do and Mend,” on view through January 18, 2025, at the FLAG Art Foundation.
What can be done about hunger, incarceration, war?
Her paintings and installations have a way of beckoning the viewer closer.
Youre invited into the conversation, Himid, 70, tells me.
Lubaina Himid
(The show was co-organized by The Contemporary Austin, where it debuted earlier this year.)
Now I attempt to make meaningful contributions in other peoples lives, she says.
(At least one unfurled badminton birdie caught my eye.)
An installation shot of “Lubaina Himid: Make Do and Mend,” on view through January 18, 2025, at the FLAG Art Foundation.
Its an ode to caretaking, in all its varied forms.
Im painting the moment in between a question and an answer, says Himid.
The people making the decisions are at a privileged remove, divorced from the problems realities.
Lubaina Himid,A True and Perfect Plot, 2023. Acrylic and charcoal on canvas. 72 x 72 inches (183 x 183 centimeters).
Lubaina Himid,A True and Perfect Plot, 2023.
Acrylic and charcoal on canvas.
72 x 72 inches (183 x 183 centimeters).
Lubaina Himid,Bitter Battles, 2023. Acrylic and charcoal canvas. 72 x 72 inches (183 x 183 centimeters).
I give a shot to make work that is about an awkwardness and an unresolvedness, the artist says.
Something is always a little askew.
And the symbols she employs can be unexpected.
InBitter Battles,11 lemons stand in for monuments: What are they for?
Whom do they valorize?
She paints the pieces of fruit loose, in cages, on plinths.
Its clear Himid has thought deeply about each problem she presents in these Strategy Paintings.
There’s always this attempt to engage with everybody at that table as an equal.
And you have to listen, because sometimes thats the only way you’re free to do it.
Lubaina Himid,Bitter Battles, 2023.
Acrylic and charcoal canvas.
72 x 72 inches (183 x 183 centimeters).
Having initially trained in theater design, Himid has long been interested in the politics of performance.
Making art is about making decisions, she says.
Her work has a quiet force to it, the kind that spurs not only contemplation, but optimism.
Maybe the answers to our questions are there for us, her art suggests, if we just listen.
Lubaina Himid: Make Do and Mendis on view at the FLAG Art Foundation through February 8, 2025.
