‘Work as its own activism’

Work by Somali-American artist Uman, in her show “After all the things,’’ at the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum of Art, Greenwich, Conn., Oct. 19,2025 to May 10, 2026.

She says:

“My work offers an escape. Whether it’s the night sky, the sun, or a cow in a field, I want it to feel good for the audience. And the first audience is me. I’ve always felt like if I was to make great art, it would have to come from deep within me and be very honest. My work is its own activism, just painting my life, existing, living. I don’t need to say too much.’’