Clara Nartey

Artist Statement

I am a self-taught artist. Inspired by my African heritage which uses fabrics to tell stories and memorialize events, I weave together stories that link people of African descent across its diasporas.

By using inks, threads, fabrics, and symbols, I create vibrant portraits that explore the tapestry of our shared narratives. In challenging the boundaries of what fine art can be, my creative process merges machine embroidery, quilting, and digital art, embracing techniques often sidelined in Western fine art.

In my work, I spotlight intricate Black hairstyles, symbolizing the nuanced dynamics of strength versus vulnerability. Like Black hair which looks tough on the outside but is easily susceptible to damage, my work explores seemingly contradictory themes such as extracting light from darkness, finding joy amid despair, and forming community from our individual quests.

Each piece serves as a mirror, reflecting viewers’ own stories and inviting exploration of universal themes within the context of African history and contemporary experiences.

Catalogues

Heather Gaudio Fine Art presents The Space We Exist In, a group exhibition curated by Ghanaian-American curator Larry Ossei-Mensah. Featuring seven artists, the show runs from November 16, 2024, to January 18, 2025.
Identity is a powerful currency, creating bonds of belonging or sending unmistakable signs of exclusion. In the realm of human experience, a fundamental truth prevails.
Identity is a powerful currency, creating bonds of belonging or sending unmistakable signs of exclusion. In the realm of human experience, a fundamental truth prevails.
My work explores Black women's hair stories, tracing ancestral traditions and their survival today. It examines Eurocentric beauty standards and how Black women respond—by rebelling, conforming, or adapting.