Jamilah Sabur

Jamilah Sabur (born 1987 in Kingston, Jamaica) is a multi-disciplinary artist whose practice encompasses performance, video, sculpture, and installation. Living and working in Miami, Florida, her work frequently investigates the interconnectedness of geology, meteorology, dance, colonial histories, and extraction economies, often exploring the body's relationship to land and space.

Early Life and Education

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Jamilah Sabur later relocated to the United States. She pursued her higher education in the arts, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Subsequently, she completed her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) at the University of Pennsylvania.

Artistic Practice and Themes

Sabur's artistic output is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature, blending various media to create immersive and thought-provoking experiences. Her performances often incorporate movement, ritual, and a deep engagement with the physical environment, while her video and sculptural works extend these themes through visual narratives and material explorations.

Central to Sabur's practice are themes of deep time, the politics of landscape, and the impact of human activity on the planet. She draws connections between cosmic and terrestrial phenomena, examining how geological formations, climate patterns (such as hurricanes), and resource extraction shape cultural narratives and human histories. Her work frequently addresses topics such as geopolitics, climate change, migration, and the legacies of colonialism, often using her own body as a site for exploring these complex relationships. She delves into both historical archives and speculative futures.

Notable Exhibitions and Works

Sabur has exhibited her work internationally at prestigious institutions and events. A significant milestone in her career was representing Jamaica in the 58th Venice Biennale in 2019, where she presented the installation and performance work "Palmares."

Her solo and group exhibitions include presentations at:

• MoMA PS1, New York
• Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), Philadelphia
• Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Miami
• New Museum, New York
• World Trade Center, New York
• Flux Projects, Atlanta
• YoungArts Foundation, Miami

Awards and Recognition

Sabur has received numerous awards, grants, and fellowships recognizing her innovative artistic contributions. These include support from organizations such as the Knight Arts Challenge and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. She has also been selected for esteemed artist residencies at institutions like the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture, and Anderson Ranch Arts Center.