Skip to main content

Values







This is a collage that I created many years ago and gave away. It was one of the pieces that I featured on my old greeting cards. I created this piece while I was a student at Bell from 1991 - 1993.


Values. Greeting card created and designed by Afrika Abney


I strive to demonstrate my levels of integrity, empathy, and compassion within my community. I chose the following colors: blue, pink, yellow, black, and purple because it each of those colors have a relationship to one another and meaning. For example, I am a black, so black represents my roots, heritage, culture, and skin color. Without my ancestors and cultural beliefs, I would not be able to have values. Values are apart of who I am. Colors are embedded within me.



"Blue symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth and heaven. It is the color of the sky. And it is the color of Compassion. Light blue is associated with health, healing, tranquility, understanding, and softness. Dark blue represents knowledge, power, integrity, and seriousness."

"The color pink represents compassion, nurturing and love. It relates to unconditional love and understanding, and the giving and receiving of nurturing.

A combination of red and white, pink contains the need for action of red, helping it to achieve the potential for success and insight offered by white. It is the passion and power of red softened with the purity, openness and completeness of white. The deeper the pink, the more passion and energy it exhibits.

Pink is feminine and romantic, affectionate, and intimate, thoughtful and caring. It tones down the physical passion of red replacing it with a gentle loving energy."

"Yellow is associated with the intellect, logic; it has the ability to improve analytical thinking. It is also linked with cheerfulness, happiness, optimism. It inspires hope, enthusiasm. Yellow fosters positive way of thinking, as well as a thirst for knowledge. Its creativeness focuses on mental aspects, it inspires new ways of thinking and acting." It is one of the primary colors and a bright color.

"The color black represents power, individuality, simplicity, mystery and an intense spirituality." I am a black. In fact, black is one of my favorite colors. It represents who I am.


"Black isn't a primary, secondary, or tertiary color. In fact, black isn't on the color wheel because it isn't considered a color. It's all colors. Or rather, the absorption of all colors. Black absorbs all light in the color spectrum."

"The color purple is a rare occurring color in nature and as a result is often seen as having sacred meaning. Lavender, orchid, lilac, and violet flowers are considered delicate and precious.

The color purple has a variety of effects on the mind and body, including uplifting spirits, calming the mind and nerves, enhancing the sacred, creating feelings of spirituality, increasing nurturing tendencies and sensitivity, and encouraging imagination and creativity.




Purple is associated spirituality, the sacred, higher self, passion, third eye, fulfillment, and vitality. Purple helps align oneself with the whole of the universe. Different shades, tints, and hues of purple have different meanings. Light purple hues represent feminine energy and delicacy, as well as romantic and nostalgic feelings. Dark purple hues evoke feelings of gloom, sadness, and frustration. Bright purple hues suggest riches and royalty."

Popular posts from this blog

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...

Djimo Kouyate

  Commissioned Photography for Baba Djimo Kouyate Smithsonian Folklife Festival, 1997, Washington, DC Photograph by Ms. Afrika Abney   "Djimo Kouyaté (August 16, 1946 - August 1, 2004). Djimo Kouyate was from the Malinké tribe, a sub-group of the Mandingo people. Born in Tambacounda, Senegal, he was from a distinguished family of griots who trace their ancestry back to the thirteenth century. A master kora player and a fine singer and dancer, Djimo also played a variety of other instruments including balafon (wooden xylophone), drums, and other string instruments. He worked with the Senegalese National Ballet as a singer and dancer since 1960, and was a founding member of the National Instrumental Ensemble of Senegal."

Colorful Connections

  Colorful Connections.Digital art created on canvas. August 10, 2024.Afrika Abney   Colorful Connections - This name emphasizes the relationships and experiences that have shaped the artist's work, represented through the vivid colors. "Colorful Connections," an abstract painting that serves as a vibrant testament to my journey through the rich cultural tapestry of Northeast and Southeast Washington, DC. The artwork features a dynamic background of red, yellow, blue, and green, each color symbolizing the diverse experiences and relationships that have influenced my creative expression. The bold hues intertwine and overlap, creating a sense of movement and energy. My deep engagement with the local community is reflected in the layers of color and texture within "Colorful Connections." Each brushstroke tells a story, echoing my years of showcasing visual art and providing services that foster cultural exchange. The interplay of colors evokes feelings of warmth an...

Abstract Fairness

My experiences include visits to notable locations such as the Smithsonian Zoo, various Smithsonian Museums, Rock Creek Park, and Malcolm X Park. Additionally, I have accumulated a wealth of professional experience, having worked at multiple organizations from 1995 to 2018, which has enriched my understanding of diverse environments and cultures. Reflecting on my early years, I recall being a 12-year-old student at NationHouse in 1988. This formative period played a significant role in shaping my values and perspectives. I have developed a strong stance against any form of mistreatment or disrespect, which I believe is essential for fostering a positive and inclusive community. My journey through both personal and professional realms has been marked by a commitment to integrity and respect. The places I have visited and the roles I have held have all contributed to my belief in the importance of treating others with dignity. I remain steadfast in my resolve to advocate for fairness an...

Parental abandonment

  "The only thing worse than being abandoned is knowing that you’re not even worth an explanation." - Author Unknown I was 5 in 1981. In expressing my grief and trauma in overcoming my parental abandonment, I use my formal training and education in the visual arts to create artwork. As I mentioned my branding blog does not focus on my personal experiences. Parental abandonment. Digital art created on canvas. Afrika Abney   

Cultural awareness

Cultural awareness. Digital art created on canvas. August 3, 2024. Afrika Abney This exquisite blue abstract painting serves as a profound representation of the intricate tapestry of human diversity and unity. The artwork features a dynamic interplay of blue and black brush strokes, each meticulously applied to create a visual narrative that resonates with viewers on multiple levels. The varying shades of blue, from the deepest navy to the softest sky blue, symbolize the rich spectrum of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives that coexist within our global society. The artist's deliberate choice of colors and strokes invites contemplation, encouraging observers to reflect on the beauty of diversity and the importance of inclusivity in our interactions. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this painting embodies a powerful message about the significance of cultural awareness and understanding. The brush strokes, each unique yet harmoniously blended, illustrate the idea that while individu...

Vibrant Imperfections

   Labor Day occurred on Monday, September 2, 2024, a date that marked the creation of my work titled "Vibrant Imperfections." Quote found on the Internet “Within the sphere of abstract art, the embrace of imperfections acts as a compelling testament to the inherent beauty present in everyday lives. Each stroke of the brush and selection of color can convey a story that resonates deeply with the observer, prompting them to uncover significance within the seemingly aspects of the artwork. This exploration invites viewers to engage with the art on a personal level, fostering a connection that transcends traditional interpretations. The state of urban sidewalks and roadways often reflects a less-than-perfect reality, marked by the inevitable signs of aging and the impact of human activity. These surfaces narrate their own tales, showcasing the natural imperfections that characterize the environment. Throughout my career as a professional visual artist and art consultant, I have ...

Winds of Color

Winds of Color. Digital art created on canvas. September 11, 2024. Afrika Abney As the soft winds sweep through the landscape, the Winds of Color appear to awaken, exhibiting a deliberate elegance in their movement. Their seamless flow creates a breathtaking spectacle, a vibrant tapestry that enchants the observer and evokes a profound sense of happiness. It feels as though the very essence of nature is crafting exquisite artwork across the heavens, where each movement represents a delicate stroke of vivid hues that merge effortlessly into a cohesive whole.

Colorful drops

Colorful Drops. Digital art created on canvas. 2022. Afrika Abney This remarkable artwork presents a lively and engaging abstract design that immediately captures the observer's gaze through its vibrant spectrum of colors. The piece is characterized by a complex arrangement of colorful droplets that appear to swirl and glide across the surface, imparting a palpable sense of motion and vitality. Each droplet is crafted with precision, showcasing a diverse palette that merges effortlessly, resulting in a stunning visual experience that inspires feelings of happiness and artistic expression. The incorporation of striking colors, including rich indigos, intense scarlets, and bright yellows, contributes to the overall depth and richness of the composition. The abstract quality of this painting opens the door to numerous interpretations, inviting viewers to connect with the piece on an individual basis. The colorful droplets may symbolize a range of emotions, personal experiences, or ev...

Two Years - Pandemic

   Pandemic. Acrylic on canvas. Afrika Abney   Since 2020, I have provided all of my services online as a result of the pandemic which began on March 9, 2020. Some of the current services that I offer and provide as a consultant include artistic, art workshops, art exhibitions, book promotions, community career day visual art workshops, email marketing, online advertisement, social media marketing, online flyer dissemination, and press distribution. However, due the pandemic which began on March 9, 2020, I have not provided any art workshops, community career day visual art workshops, nor exhibited my artwork.    I have had the opportunity to brand my overall work and services online using various social media platforms.    Should you have any questions regarding my current services, please email me at msafrikaa@gmail.com.