Skip to main content

Importance of Humanity

 

“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.” – Albert Schweitzer

“The greatness of humanity is not in being human, but in being humane.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Despite the recent news that have occurred outside of my hometown, I think it is important that humanity returns. How you treat another human being says alot of your character regardless of your race, sexual orientation or any other status. I do not care how you look, I am more interested in how you treat a person. 

Humanity is like relationships with colors. Do you combine warm colors with cool colors? Or hot colors with warm colors? For example, if you combine blue with yellow, you get green. Green is a color that represents earth and nature. 

Color Relationships.Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney

 

Popular posts from this blog

March is Women's History Month - Ms. Georgette S. Powell

March is Women's History Month - Ms. Georgette S. Powell In 1999, I had the opportunity to participate in art exhibit that took place at the Children's National Medical Center and met Ms. Georgette S. Powell.   "Georgette Seabrook Powell was born in Charleston, SC in 1916 and raised in New York City. After graduating from The Cooper Union School of Art, she became active in the Harlem Arts Workshop. Powell was inspired by Augusta Savage (A’25), a young sculptor and the newly appointed director of the Harlem Arts Workshop. Powell learned from the dedication Savage gave to teaching arts in the Harlem community, and teaching became a cornerstone in her life as well. Powell was employed by the WPA, along with a team of artists, to create a series of murals for the Harlem Hospital Art Project. Her murals, titled Recreation in Harlem, depicted the daily lives, struggles and joys of Harlem’s residents. Once the murals had been completed, they were pronounced “too controversial” b...

Come Immerse Yourself in Afternoon of Poetry with award winning poet Ms. Ayala

  Join Esther Productions, Inc, The Institute for African American Writing, and The Black Student Fund for an enriching afternoon of poetry with award winning poet Ms. Naomi Ayala. This event, titled MidnightRose, is a celebration of the diverse voices from the Washington Metropolitan Region and beyond. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the vibrant literary community through the works of award-winning poets and authors, allowing their words to inspire and uplift. MidnightRose is a showcase of the multigenerational, multicultural writers in the Washington Metropolitan Region and beyond presented by Esther Productions Inc., The Institute for African American Writing & The Black Student Fund. Experience the richness of the community through the presentations of award-winning poets and authors. Come allow the words to inspire and empower you. NAOMI AYALA is a Puerto Rican poet, educator, and translator who’s published three poetry collections—Wild Animals on the Mo...

Warmth of Experience

    “The intentional incorporation of orange-red in illustrating life experiences can significantly enrich the narrative journey, creating a vibrant canvas that accentuates both personal and professional achievements. This particular hue, with its energetic and warm qualities, invites contemplation and conversation, allowing for a more profound grasp of the various experiences that shape our lives. By using such a striking color, the storytelling becomes not just a recounting of events but an immersive exploration of emotions and insights.  My own journey has been marked by a series of impactful experiences, including the persistent challenges posed by racism and discrimination, as well as the significant milestones of graduating from both high school and college. Each of these moments has contributed to my personal growth and understanding of the world around me. The struggles I faced with prejudice have not only shaped my identity but have also fueled my determination t...

MIDNIGHTROSE: A Reading Series of Poetry and Prose features Mr. Kenneth Carroll, Ms. Elizabeth Bruce and Ms.Sasa Aakil

  “MidnightRose serves as a vibrant platform that highlights the diverse voices of multigenerational and multicultural writers from the Washington Metropolitan Region and beyond. This initiative is brought to life by Esther Productions Inc., in collaboration with The Institute for African American Writing and The Black Student Fund. The series aims to celebrate the literary talents within the community, showcasing a variety of poetic and prose works that reflect the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives that define the region. Attendees of MidnightRose can expect to engage with a dynamic array of award-winning poets and authors, each bringing their unique narratives and artistic expressions to the forefront. The event not only serves as a performance space but also as a gathering that fosters dialogue and connection among writers and audiences alike. By immersing oneself in the powerful words and stories shared during the series, participants are invited to explore themes o...

Pandemic

During the pandemic, I created inspiring paintings reflecting the crisis. With over 20 years of experience, I work on canvas, digital, or canvas paper. I recently completed over 20 digital pieces, channeling my experiences as a black female in America into my art. Art has always been my voice. Pandemic. September 3, 2021. 16 * 20. Abstract painting on canvas. Afrika Abney Pandemic, I thought about the colors and technique. One of the colors that I selected was salmon pink. The artist carefully chose the salmon pink color for its symbolism of expression, fellowship, compassion, and individuality. The painting's blend of red, blue, and white creates a dynamic and textured composition with abstract patterns and visual depth. A blend of red, blue, and white hues creates a dynamic and textured composition. The colors intermingle, forming abstract patterns and visual depth. A blend of red, blue, and white hues creates a dynamic and textured composition. The colors intermingle, forming ab...

Afrocentric Education - NationHouse

  This photo was taken of me in 1982. I was 6 years old at that time and many years later, I have given away of the clothing articles depicted in the above photo.  When I was a student at NationHouse. Some of my teachers include: Baba Yao "Willie “Yao” Brewer is a DCTV award winning film-maker who produces short, original community-based documentaries that capture riveting reality stories. He is a multi-talented “one-man band.” Born and raised in Southwest, Washington, D.C., Yao is a Howard University graduate with degrees in Music Education at the Masters and Bachelor levels. He began his documentary film-making career twenty-five years after working as an instrumental music teacher in the DC Public Schools. The digital information age is making it possible for documentary film-makers to use more creativity and technologies to enhance comprehensive stories. With Yao’s work, the entire viewing public becomes an eyewitness or primary resource as he documents stories that encour...

Black

“Black is a color that can symbolize sophistication, elegance, and power.” Sophistication. Digital art created on canvas. 2022. Afrika Abney Skilled in using color to evoke emotions and enhance visual storytelling. Specializing in monochromatic paintings, I expertly render texture and shine, particularly through the use of black, to create a sense of mystery and sophistication. My keen eye for the interplay of light and shadow allows me to add dynamic elements to my work, inviting viewers to experience the tactile quality of my pieces Black. Digital art created on canvas. August 3, 2024. Afrika Abney This striking digital abstract background features a captivating contrast between a deep, rich black and a crisp. The use of black as the dominant color in this image is a powerful choice, as it symbolizes strength, power, and resilience.This digital abstract background has a deeply personal connection to the use of black as the primary color. Having grown up in the black community and att...

Expertise in Expression

    Expertise in Expression. Digital art created on canvas. September 5, 2024. Afrika Abney As a self-employed consultant, I bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the table, working as an independent contractor to collaborate with organizations seeking my specialized skills. My mission is to provide top-notch consulting services to help enhance projects and drive success for my clients. Throughout my career, I have successfully collaborated with numerous companies, making a significant impact on their projects.  Past Listing:  Some of my past listing includes: New Harlem Gallery, Wisteria ArtSpace, Emma Mae Gallery, Phillips Collection, The Corcoran Gallery of Art, Anacostia Art Gallery and Boutique, Higher Achievement, Young Playwrights' Theatre (YPT), Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington, DC, DC International School - DCI, Mundo Verde Public Charter School, and others. Past Projects:  I have promoted numerous events. Some of them include Ann...

Me, Myself and Our Story

Me, Myself and Our Story was launched in 2023 by Esther Productions, Inc and The Institute for African American Writing and is designed for teen girls who have an interest in creative writing. It is a professional creative writing institute providing instruction in poetry fiction and memoir writing. Course of study will provide six weeks of focus and instruction on each topic. That is six weeks of poetry six weeks of fiction and six weeks of memoir writing. The Institute is for young ladies 15-19 years old who have an interest in creative writing. The first session will be in poetry. Students should be prepared to attend all six sessions.  The next session is scheduled to take place on February 24, 2024 at Trinity.  Feb 24, 2024, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST Washington, 125 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017, USA--Room 230 Me, Myself and Our Story: Creative Writing Institute for Young Ladies Aged 15 through 19 is a free course led by professional and published writers. This six-w...

Innovative Projects

Clouded Innovations. Digital art created on canvas. August 4, 2024. Afrika Abney This stunning abstract painting, titled "Clouded Innovations," depicts a mesmerizing blue sky with vibrant pink and brown clouds. The use of vivid blue hues for the sky creates a sense of tranquility and serenity, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the peaceful atmosphere. The addition of pink and brown clouds adds a touch of drama and mystery to the scene, creating a visually striking and thought-provoking piece that is sure to captivate the imagination. The title "Clouded Innovations" adds an extra layer of meaning to the artwork, suggesting that the painting represents new ideas and creative breakthroughs. The presence of clouds in the painting symbolizes the ever-changing nature of innovation and the constant flow of new concepts and inspirations. The dynamic and fluid brushstrokes used to create the clouds further emphasize the theme of innovation, evoking a sense of mov...