Abi Salami

We’re excited to welcome Abi Salami, an American contemporary artist originally from Lagos, Nigeria, to Studio 88. Known for her bold, surrealist paintings, Abi’s work explores the intersections of identity, culture, and the lasting impact of colonial histories. Her art challenges dominant narratives, using vivid imagery to confront themes of postcolonialism, education, and the complexities of personal and collective memory.

Abi’s career includes solo exhibitions across the U.S., Morocco, and Germany, as well as showcasing her work at international art fairs such as 1:54 Art Fair and PRIZM Art Fair. She has been featured in publications including Glasstire’s “101 Black Visual Artists in Texas,” Authority Magazine, and D Magazine. Her works are part of collections like the Montresso Art Foundation in Marrakech and the Jessica and Kelvin Beachum Family Collection in Arizona. Abi has also received the Hopper Prize and the Black Foundry Award.

At Studio 88, Abi will expand her series, The Miseducation of Boys and Girls, which examines the global influence of Eurocentric education systems. Through large-scale paintings, she will explore how colonial histories have shaped educational frameworks worldwide, often marginalising indigenous knowledge and cultural identities. Using surrealist elements—distorted maps, fragmented textbooks, and reimagined classroom environments—Abi’s work sparks critical conversations about history, identity, and resilience.