Interview
Aby Golden Lady B
Passionate about art since her earliest years, Golden Lady B, also known as Aby M'baye, is a versatile Franco-Senegalese artist who nomadically navigates between Paris, Dakar, and New York. Her artistic approach is rooted in the celebration of freedom in all its forms, urging everyone to embrace their creativity and pursue their dreams. As a poet, photographer, coach, and art therapist, Aby invites others on artistic journeys to unlock their full potential. Join her in exploring the realms of creativity, where each moment is an invitation to celebrate beauty, diversity, and inspiration.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My immersion into the art world took root in my childhood, a passionate whirlwind between the fires of theater and the intricacies of writing. These passions have shaped my journey for over three decades, leading me to embrace various roles such as actress, storyteller, director, theater teacher, and even art therapist. In 2022, a fascinating turning point graced my artistic path as New York and photography crossed my way. This captivating adventure left in my luggage dazzling snapshots and the audacious idea of intertwining poetry and photography. The inhabitants of the Big Apple affectionately dubbed me "Golden Lady," to which I added the "B" to anchor this unique experience. Currently, I proudly unveil my first photographic work, "New York Poets," a poetic fusion of the words of New York poets and my frozen images from 2022. In April 2023, I participated in my first exhibition in New York, a enriching collaboration with the ARTBOXY gallery. Nine months later, my second exhibition illuminated Times Square alongside 600 artists from around the world, orchestrated by EXPOMETRO. Simultaneously, my first exhibition in Miami with Artboxy marked a new chapter in my artistic journey. For me, embedding my work within the collective is essential. Transforming a dream into a collective reality is crucial, rejecting the isolation of the solitary artist while acknowledging that it is an integral part of the creative process. These recent exhibitions underscore my commitment to collaborating with renowned galleries, a testament to my dedication to the global artistic community. It is an honor for me to participate in these events that transcend artistic boundaries, bringing to life the vision I share with other creative minds.”
What inspires you?
“Everything is a source of inspiration for me, and it is in the present that I draw from it. In my view, inspiration is an energy source that propels us into action for an idea, giving rise to a project, a change, or a creation. It is through inspiration that we take a breath nearly 23,000 times a day. The primary wellspring of inspiration is thus the present because, by focusing on our breath, ideas flow effortlessly.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My favorite themes are often woven around freedom and creativity. I seek to explore the diversity of these concepts and provoke profound reflection on human nature and society. My work carries an underlying message that celebrates freedom in all its forms. I aim to encourage people to embrace their creativity, dive into self-expression, and pursue their dreams. Freedom, be it in choices, actions, creation, or love, lies at the heart of my art. I believe in the transformative power of art to inspire, heal, and transcend boundaries, and that's what I hope to achieve through my work.”
“My favorite themes are often woven around freedom and creativity. I seek to explore the diversity of these concepts and provoke profound reflection on human nature and society”
How would you describe your work?
“"New York Poets," my first photo and poetry book, is a deep dive into the world of poets connected to the Big Apple, intertwining their verses with my snapshots taken in 2022. My work presents itself as a colossal question mark, a constant challenge to reality that seeks to provoke reactions and inspire the viewer to take action. At the core of this artistic endeavor lies the aspiration to celebrate freedom in all its forms, urging each individual to embrace their creativity and pursue their dreams.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I undeniably have my idols across all artistic domains, but my influences primarily draw their essence from artistic movements. Whether through the tormented expression of Edvard Munch and the symbolists, Charlie Chaplin's subversive comedy with the burlesque movement, Magritte's visual poetry within surrealism, William Klein's audacious innovation and contemporary artistic movements, or the unconventional spirit of Boris Vian and the existential questioning of Albert Camus, these iconic figures profoundly fuel my inspiration.Adding an additional nuance to this complex tapestry of influences, the Beat Generation of Jack Kerouac and his peers has also left its mark on my artistic trajectory. Their innovative writings and spirit of rebellion have been a major source of inspiration, shaping my perception of creativity and artistic freedom. My active involvement in collectives such as Artboxy and Expometro aims to nurture this eclectic aspiration. These collective spaces provide the ideal backdrop for the convergence of these varied influences, allowing the emergence of an original and stimulating artistic expression.”
What is your creative process like?
“Anything inspires me, so I am always in creative mode. At the beginning of the year, I base my approach on three keywords and/or three action verbs that will guide me throughout the year and shape my objectives. For 2023, for instance, I simply said to myself: 'I publish, I publish, and I travel.' Well, I've already embarked on 5 journeys and completed 5 publications, with about ten exhibitions in Europe and the Americas. I'm sticking to the same ones for 2024, hehe! I am an anti to-do-list enthusiast, accustomed to sleepless nights and joyful deadlines. While I occasionally plan far in advance, when I do, the project never sees the light of day. That's why I prefer action verbs; it's riskier, but it's more magical.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“In my eyes, the artist embodies the disruptor, the inverted reflection of a society obsessed with perfection. The engaged artist provides an alternative, often prophetic perspective. Their role, vast and complex, extends to healing, bringing relief, transformation, and even complete healing. Art and culture, as crucial as food and drink, transcend borders. I believe in a growing openness to individual creativity, a path towards a more peaceful world, as art knows no boundaries.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I recently had an exhibition at the Expo Metro Times Square New York with 600 artists from 60 different countries. From Wednesday, December 6th, to Sunday, December 10th, 2023, I have an exhibition at Red Dot and Spectrum Miami with Artboxy.”
