Painting, textiles, illustration, album covers – Precious Seronga’s creative practice isn’t confined to any of these. Rooted in her Tanzanian heritage and shaped by her experiences in cosmopolitan London, her work embodies a dynamic interplay of cultures, celebrating her lineage and her global perspective.
Seronga’s works are unapologetically maximalist, embracing a riot of colours and textures that challenge restrained, minimalist aesthetics often associated with Western formal traditions. Her palette is a deliberate nod to the vibrancy of celebratory wear across Africa and the global South, where garments are imbued with life through bold patterns and radiant hues. This contrasts with the subdued tones of white and dark colours dictated by a Eurocentric standard of “formal” attire – an aesthetic that marginalises the joyful exuberance of non-Western traditions.
This maximalism extends beyond colour in a series centred on portraits of powerful African women. These figures are depicted not merely as subjects but as forces of nature – embodying abundance, strength, and defiance. In Glutton, a woman consumes jewels from a bowl – it speaks to me of the wealth taken from other countries by European powers and the manifestation of the reparations that aren’t forthcoming. In Pacifica, a regal figure reclines on a couch, her penetrating gaze meeting the viewers with unflinching intensity. This isn’t a woman to be objectified or consumed; instead, her power confronts and dismantles the male gaze, challenging the patriarchal and Western lens that has dominated much of art history.
The African continent has long been misrepresented and overshadowed by negative stereotypes perpetuated by Western media, reducing its diversity to simplistic or troubling narratives. Precious Seronga’s work seeks to counteract these perceptions by offering a vibrant celebration of African culture, artistry, and textile design. We see this in the masks she designed, inspired by the recent pandemic and the beadwork of the Maasai from northern Tanzania and Kenya – they gained recognition by being shortlisted for the Art and design category for the Arte Laguna Prize in Venice, 2023.
This spirit of exuberance and celebration is not confined to her fine art; it extends into other creative realms, showcasing her versatility. In her album cover illustrations, Seronga brings music to life by depicting black figures immersed in movement, their forms bursting with energy and rhythm. Similarly, her contributions to the Melia group’s hotels in Tanzania highlight her ability to bridge local culture with modern design. Her signature use of vivid colours and strong, confident lines ensures it celebrates her home country but also carries the signature of her unique style.
Her work fits into a time when the art world is recognising the under-representation of artists of colour and the diversity of culture and ideas they can contribute to art. Her practice reflects a growing trend of cross-disciplinary collaborations, proving that art thrives when it connects with the wider world rather than existing in isolation.
Seronga’s work is maximalist and political. By celebrating African women, clothing and aesthetics, she offers a bold vision of identity that resists erasure and demands recognition.
You can find out more about Precious Seronga’s work on her website and Instagram.
All images copyright the artist.
