Gio Swaby: Fresh Up at MFA

May 28, 2022 – Oct 9, 2022
Occurs Daily
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The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg presents the first solo museum exhibition of multidisciplinary artist Gio Swaby whose work explores the intersections of Blackness and womanhood. 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. 

Swaby’s art is centered upon the personal connections forged between subject and artist, and conversation is key to achieving these portraits of beauty and power that she deems love letters to Black women. The portraits begin with a photo shoot wherein the subjects are captured in a moment of empowerment and self-awareness. Swaby foregrounds their personal style —seen in the detailed renderings of jewelry, hair, and clothing—creating space for self-definition and unapologetic self-expression.

The exhibit will be up from May 28 through Oct. 9. The Museum hours are:

Sunday: 12:00 pm-5:00pm

Monday: CLOSED

Tuesday-Wednesday: 10:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday: 10:00 am-8:00 pm

Friday-Saturday: 10:00 am-5:00 pm

Event Category

  • Arts & Crafts
  • Cultural