Chioma Ebinama
Beware of Leeches, 2019

Everyone wants to play in our gardens.
Everyone wants to cleanse themselves in our waters…
there is no limits to what the world will withdraw from women,
especially black women…
Why is it this wellspring allows us to keep feeding,
with little nourishment in return?

Chioma Ebinama, 2019

Beware of Leeches (Details)

The igbo name nneka translates to “mother is supreme.” These watercolors continue the mammywater series, which obsess over the matriarch – how to recover and honor her.

NNE 02, 2019
Watercolor, ink and silver acetate on Indian handmade paper
25 × 69.5 in | 63.5 × 176.53 cm

NNE 02 (Detail)

Mugwort is a weed that grows rampantly in undernourished soil, typically in urban environments. It is connected to the moon, has abortive properties, and helps to cleanse the Earth.

Mugwort (warning), 2019
Watercolor, ink on Indian handmade paper
63 × 176 cm

Mugwort (warning) (Details)

Inspired by bronze sculptures of the goddess Parvarti from 12th c. Chola Empire, this figure appears earthly, full bodied, yet weightless.

Beware of Leeches, 2019
Watercolor, ink on Indian handmade paper
63 × 176 cm

Beware of Leeches (Details)