Mariane Ibrahim is pleased to present Invisible Threads are the Strongest Ties, a compelling survey exhibition into the artistic journey of Ayana V. Jackson over the past decade and marks the artist’s first major exhibition in Mexico.
The exhibition features a selection of works from various series by the artist, including Archival Impulse (2011-2013), Dear Sarah (2016), Wild as the Wind (2015), Intimate Justice in the Stolen Moment (2018). Additionally, it unveils an exciting new body of work from the most recent series You Forgot to See Me Coming (2023).
Ayana V. Jackson uses photography to confront and subvert restrictive perspectives stemming from colonialism that have become ingrained within the medium. She not only serves as the photographer but also becomes the subject of her own work. She transcends from being an object upon which racist and misogynistic narratives are imposed to becoming a subject with agency. Her gaze directly confronts the viewer, challenging us and prompting us to question the societal ideas that are perpetuated when we see a Black woman before us. For Jackson, the camera transforms from a mere medium into her research tool. She invites us to ask ourselves how we approach photography. How do we look at the Black women portrayed?
Invisible Threads are the Strongest Ties features work from five series created in the last decade by the artist to explore this question, as well as its place in History, beyond the images of submission and slavery historically favored when it comes to Black women.
Excerpt from text by writer Jumko Ogata
