Gio Swaby

My work revolves around an exploration of identity, more specifically, the intersections of Blackness and womanhood. I am interested in the ways in which this physical identity can serve as a positive force of connection and closeness, while also examining its imposed relationship to otherness.

Each piece I create continues to build upon an integral aspect of my practice: to contribute to the visibility of Blackness in the art world. At many points in our lives, Black women can live within a paradox of hypervisibility and yet still not feeling truly seen. I want my work to function as a love letter of sorts to Black women, to create space for us not only to be represented but to be celebrated.

Gio Swaby: Both Sides of the Sun

April 10, 2021 to June 5, 2021

Claire Oliver Gallery

View exhibit press release (pdf)

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Four Now; Leonardo Benzant, Barbara Earl Thomas, Adebunmi Gbadebo & Gio Swaby

December 1, 2020 to January 23, 2021

Claire Oliver Gallery

View exhibit press release (pdf)

Four Now Is A Presentation of The Gallery’s Booth at Untitled Art Fair,
Telegraphing the Excitement of Miami Art Week To Claire Oliver’s Harlem Headquarters
With A Dynamic Program of Virtual Talks

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Solo Exhibitions

Rooted: An Exploration of Blackness and Womanhood –
The Current | Nassau, Bahamas – 2018
We All Know Each Other – Unit/Pitt Projects | Vancouver, BC – 2017

Selected Group Exhibitions

Net Worth – UNITED CONTEMPORARY | Toronto, ON – 2020
Transforming Spaces – The D’Auguilar Art Foundation | Nassau, Bahamas – 2019
Die Textile: Stoffsuche – Kunsthaus Alte Mühle | Schmallenberg, Germany – 2018
5th Annual Art Competition – Central Bank of The Bahamas |
Nassau, Bahamas – 2018
Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series (Vancouver Finals) – Gallery Jones |
Vancouver, BC – 2018
Going Out Clothes – Cheeky Proletariat | Vancouver, BC – 2018
Übersee: Cuba and The Bahamas – Halle 14 | Leipzip, Germany – 2017
National Exhibition 8 – National Art Gallery of The Bahamas | Nassau, Bahamas – 2016
Graduate Exhibition – Emily Carr University of Art & Design | Vancouver, BC – 2016
Nassau Calling – HilgerBROTKunsthalle | Vienna, Austria – 2015
Black Girl in Unnatural Habitat – Abraham Rogatnick Gallery | Vancouver, BC – 2015
32nd Annual Art Competition – Central Bank of The Bahamas | Nassau, BahamasMap of the New Art – Giorgio Cini Foundation | Island of San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice – 2015\National Exhibition 7 – National Art Gallery of The Bahamas | Nassau, Bahamas – 2014
Intersect: Junior Residency Artists’ Exhibition – Popopstudios ICVA | Nassau, Bahamas – 2013
Celebrating 40 Years of Bahamian Independence – Bahamian Embassy | Beijing, China – 2013
SINGLESEX – National Art Gallery of The Bahamas | Nassau, Bahamas – 2013
Harry C. Moore Library Mural Project – The College of The Bahamas | Nassau, Bahamas -2012
Independence Invitational – Central Bank of The Bahamas | Nassau, Bahamas 29th Annual Art Competition – Central Bank of The Bahamas | Nassau, Bahamas -2012
Transforming Spaces – The Hub | Nassau, Bahamas -2012
Transforming Spaces – The Pro Gallery | Nassau, Bahamas; Bahamas International Film Festival | Nassau, Bahamas – 2011

Awards and Distinctions

BC Arts Council Grant – Project Assistance for Visual Artists | 2020
Emily Carr University – President’s Media Award for Best Art Installation | 2016
Emily Carr University of Art & Design – Scholarship | 2015
Charitable Arts Foundation – Tuition Grant | 2014
Ministry of Education of The Bahamas – Tuition Grant | 2013
Popopstudios ICVA – Junior Artist Residency Prize | 2013
College of The Bahamas – Tuition Bursary | 2011

Print/Download Biography

Gio Swaby
Biagraphy | CV

Press Release Archives

Gio Swaby: Both Sides of the Sun
April 10 - June 5, 2021

Conversations on Content

artist Gio Swaby discusses with Claire her use of textiles to convey family connections and community love.

2021 Distinguished Artist Series

Claire Oliver of Claire Oliver Gallery interviews fiber artists Gio Swaby and Adebunmi Gbadebo for the James Renwick Alliance for Craft 2021 Distinguished Artist Series.