Tiffany-Annabelle Davies and her journey of self-exploration and identity

“Yes, I love the various meanings of triangles,” affirms Tiffany-Annabelle Davies. Her statement is a reply to a follow-up question, bordering on her repeated references to the geometrical pattern in her paintings. The previous night’s hangout with her exhibition’s curator, Nduwhite Ndubuisi Ahanonu, at the Mambaah Café somewhere in the Maitama Amusement Park in Abuja was an exciting one. Upbeat about her first ever solo exhibition in the federal capital city, which opens on Wednesday at the Abuja Transcorp Hilton.

A few words about the much-anticipated forthcoming exhibition in Abuja: it is titled Women in Bloom and promises to captivate audiences with its ten-piece collection. Following a private opening on Wednesday, May 8, the exhibition opens to the public from May 9 to 16. Stemming from the success of Miss Aligned in Lagos, this artistic journey of growth and self-discovery showcases the blossoming of female subjects. Its transformative power lies in its poignant message, celebrating a woman’s evolution and inherent strength. Embracing themes of empowerment and femininity, Women in Bloom is set to be a must-see event for art enthusiasts seeking inspiration and reflection.

“I find the shape very striking. In my work,” she continues her explanations on the use of triangles in her paintings. “I have used it to represent gender and keep finding new ways to use it in my pieces.”

In her build-up intended to heighten the excitement surrounding the upcoming exhibition, the artist has meticulously orchestrated an extraordinary spectacle. In a stroke of creative genius, she has orchestrated a captivating display blending the delicate grandeur of paper blossoms with her mesmerising paintings. With unwavering passion, she crafts each detail, including bespoke invites for her esteemed patrons, ensuring that every facet resonates with her distinctive artistic vision. Driven by a profound love for blooms, she envisions transforming the Hilton lobby into a blooming paradise, encapsulating the essence of her floral infatuation.

“I’m still taking the audience on this journey that the women are on—a personal diary of what I’ve been going through, I guess,” she had passionately conveyed to her attentive interlocutor the night prior at the stylish setting of Mambaah Café.

This captivating narrative began with her groundbreaking inaugural solo exhibit, Miss Aligned, back in 2021, where a compelling sojourn of self-realisation unfolded among the vibrant hues and poignant brushstrokes. The subsequent solo showcase delved into unravelling the fabric of the nation’s zeitgeist pre-election, shedding light on the populace’s pulse amidst uncertainty. Fast forward to the latest exhibition staged in the rich cultural tapestry of Ghana in 2023. Women in Bloom exhales the essence of empowerment and purpose, mirroring the collective aspirations and triumphs that have blossomed from the seeds of introspection sown by these remarkable women.

Back to her allusion to gender, she stresses that she is using the traditional meaning of the word. “My definition of the word gender is what I saw last time I checked the dictionary.”

The dictionary, she adds, is her go-to place for checking and confirming definitions. “Her reference to gender and the triangles has fascinated me to compare her works to the Fibonacci theory of Leonarda Fibonacci, as she attributes the triangle to gender,” Ahanonu chips in in his curaratorial statement.
In light of her recent triumphs, including garnering the esteemed attention of Ghana’s first lady due to the success of her last year’s exhibition, it’s understandable why she views this show as a “triumphant homecoming.”

Women, essential pillars of society across the expanse of history, intricately navigate the paths from youth to marriage, facing societal norms and challenges until menopause. The enduring resilience and invaluable contributions of women stand as testament to their remarkable journey. Their capacity to adapt, innovate, and lead leaves an enduring impact on our shared existence. Rather than mere adornments to societal mores, women warrant acknowledgment and admiration for their multifaceted beauty, strength, and diverse qualities. Hence, she revels in the celebration of the rich tapestry of women’s experiences.

In a reflective tone, the artist shared insights on her journey of self-exploration and identity through her art. She elaborated on the significance of embracing her heritage as a dual citizen with a dual name, revealing a deep-rooted connection to her roots in Delta State. “It has been very clear that I want to explore my identity. I am very comfortable with my identity and pleased to embrace it,” she says with a touch of self-assurance.

Growing up in cosmopolitan cities like Lagos and London, she found herself at ease adapting to diverse environments, shaping her perspective on the importance of individual identity.

Her artistic endeavours have been intertwined with her quest for self-discovery, particularly as an artist of Itsekiri descent. Despite not being fluent in the Itsekiri language or deeply immersed in the culture, she found pride and purpose in creating a portrait of the Olu of Warri.

“As an Itsekiri artist, it was an honour for me. I believe that it has been the greatest honour so far in my career to portray the pride of my people through my work,” she explains with a sense of fulfillment. For her, identity is a multifaceted aspect that evolves continuously, influenced by personal growth and encounters with new experiences.

When asked about the complexity of her art practice, especially concerning her digital creations, she acknowledged her inclination towards experimenting with digital tools on platforms like Instagram. “I like to experiment with digital things that I put on my Instagram,” she says, hinting at the intricate layers and hand-drawn elements that define her digital artwork. Her creative process, characterised by digital intricacies and visual storytelling, reflects a commitment to showcasing the beauty of African flora and celebrating the essence of joy and nature through her floral compositions.

As she continues on her journey of artistic exploration, she remains dedicated to delving deeper into her identity and inviting others to connect with their own personal narratives. Through her evolving portfolio and multidimensional approach to art, she envisions a path of discovery and cultural appreciation that resonates with audiences worldwide.