Ebony Iman Dallas empowers artistis through Afrikanation

“Abahay's Eyes” - Mixed Media  2009

This piece is dedicated to my father, Siciid Ibrahim Osman who was murdered in Oklahoma prior to my birth. The title, “Abahay’s Eye’s,” was given because his eyes, the most important feature in a face, were hidden behind large, dark glasses in the photos I’ve seen of him. I have often been told that my eyes and nose match his, so I picked up a mirror in one hand with a pencil in the other and used drawing as a tool to uncover his face for the first time. And this is how my father looks to me.

The surrounding text contains my apology to him for anger I kept for 25 years of my life, until learning that his “suicide” was in fact murder. It contains my vow to keep his memory alive and find the truth while honoring him for his strength, loyalty, soft heart, hot temper, independent spirit and the love he had for his family and would have had for me.

Artist Biography

Ebony Iman Dallas is an artist, designer and community organizer born and raised in Oklahoma City, OK. Ebony is for her mother Viola Dallas from Oklahoma, Iman for her biological father Said Ibrahim Osman, originally from Somalia who passed away prior to her birth and Dallas is for her father Wayne Dallas, also from Oklahoma who raised her as his own.  EID comes together to shape the woman and artist she is today.In 2003, Ebony earned a BA Advertising degree with a minor in Art and Certificate in Emerging Technologies from the University of Central Oklahoma. Upon graduation, she moved to Oakland, California to pursue a career in advertising. This move not only benefited her career wise as she went on to become an art director, it also led her to meet the family of her deceased father, Said, whom she spent her life searching for. When Ebony was just three years old, her mother and the family of her father lost contact due to a series of uncontrollable reasons. After meeting Hakim Guleid, who knew her entire family and that they were also searching for her, she began a journey of discovery. To discover the truth of who her father was and she is.

“As an artist and as a person, I have grown a lot in the last six years. I’ve learned to take risks and trust God and His plans for me. Had I remained in Oklahoma for a sense of comfort, I never would have met my family and begun the journey I’m on today.

In 2006, while searching through a crowded market place in Nairobi, Kenya with her newfound aunt, they spotted the perfect painting to send to her uncle after hours of searching.

“We came to the artist, whose name was Patrick, and we told him we had just visited the gallery downstairs. We were ready to praise and thank him for ending our long search but he cut us off and said, ‘Please do not tell the lady at the gallery we are up here selling our artwork.’ Apparently, the owner of the gallery made an agreement with the mall that no one was to sell artwork, particularly paintings, accept though her.”

This incident raised many questions in her mind regarding an artist’s right to equal treatment and fair trade, and they never left it. Another issue, which caused her deep concern, was the disproportionate number of people infected by HIV/AIDS in Africa, as well as within the African-American population in the United States.

In 2007, after a lot of soul-searching and prayer, Ebony decided to pursue sustainable solutions to these problems, and entered California College of the Arts as a full-time MFA Interaction Design student. At CCA, her final thesis focused on bridging the social and communication divisions among diverse populations in the African diaspora in the US through art and design for community activism.  This was an effort to establish mutual understanding and join minds to create solutions to common social, educational and health related challenges though art. She went on to organize artistic collaborations and interviews, create community art events and fundraisers and also concept an online network that allows artist collaborations while promoting offline interactions and community events.

After graduating in 2009, Ebony went on to found the Afrikanation Artists Organization in Hargeysa, Somaliland/Somalia. Afrikanation is a non-governmental, non-profit organization designed to empower artists and their communities under the belief that art has the power to create positive change in the lives of artists, society and the world. Afrikanation’s focus is on creating sustainable economic development initiatives, arts education programs and create awareness around social, educational and health related challenges in this region through art. In April 2010, Afrikanation held their first official event, “A Celebration of Art and Culture” in Hargeysa. A mixture of music, paintings, poetry, fashion design and youth arts station made it memorable night suitable for the whole family.

Ebony’s artwork sums up the whole of her experience. She combines fiery hues with whimsical forms in order to express the strong will and restless spirit in her subjects. Each piece takes form organically, as every line and shape determines the outcome of the next as our decisions do in life. This process has revealed results that were unexpected yet true on a subconscious and spiritual level. Sometimes the original purpose and meaning of a painting is even altered mid-way.

Her latest body of work pays homage sheros and heroes who have selflessly given their lives in order to improve the lives of others.  This series includes well-known trailblazers such as Nelson Mandela and Bob Marley, but also includes the stories often untold such as the mother depicted in “Nabad iyo Caano,” who does everything in her power to shield her son from the daily realities of war in Mogadishu and Keonna Tinsley, a 15-year-old girl who raised her 4 siblings alone, managed to marry and have a son of her own all by the age of 25, then died unexpectedly in her sleep.

“I realize now that I am a storyteller. I love to tell people’s stories and create awareness around issues that affect them. I do this through my artwork as well as through Afrikanation Artists Organization, which is a dream come true.  I believe this is a part of my purpose on this earth.”



“Contemplation” -  2007  Mixed Media

Dedicated to the legendary Bob Marley, this painting depicts the man deep in thought, ready to use the power of music as a tool to inform the world that those who live with few worldly possessions and lack money, deserve the same rights and opportunities as those who write them. Through music, Bob Marley inspired millions to keep their heads up, backs straight and feet planted firmly in order to fight for the rights they deserve - even when a situation has seemed to reach its lowest point.

My mother, Viola Dallas, also raised her voice and fist during uncertain times in the United States for African-Americans. She and my father Wayne Dallas instilled pride in my siblings and I, even as society argued its validity. Bob Marley taught this same lesson by using his mind as a weapon and words like bullets to pierce hearts and souls without bloodshed in order to create peaceful, positive change. He was an inspirational warrior and dedicated his life to see that the people of Jamaica, his home, and those throughout the world gain equal rights and opportunities and live together in love in harmony.



“Nabad iyo Caano” – 2010 Acrylic

This painting is dedicated to all the mothers, women and children in Somalia who have lost their lives, been victims of rape and other forms of abuse during the war.

A new mother in Mogadishu holds her newborn son, completely consumed by her thoughts and silent prayers while looking into the distance. This mother, like any new mother, wants the best for her child: A good education, peaceful upbringing and the opportunity grow up to make a positive contribution to society someday.

But for this new mother, who gave birth to screams mixed with gunfire, it is an extra challenging vision to keep. There are mixtures of symbols surrounding her to represent her wide range of thoughts. There is a symbol of a woman holding her child without fear, completely consumed by their love for each other, a book representing his education and the words “Nabad iyo Caano” flow silently into the piece.

The gold layer surrounding her represents God’s protection while the image of a woman being welcomed into Heaven with an outstretched arm, represents her constant fear of being unable to raise her son. In the top right corner is a symbol of a man holding a bomb as her son turns his back to him. Behind nearly every war since the beginning of time has been a rich, influential man who holds keys of war and prey on the young and poverty-stricken. All done to selfishly convince others to fight their battles and fulfill often secret, personal goals. In the end of ther vision, her son turns his back and says no.



“Keonna Angel” - Acrylic on Wood  2008

Keonna Tinsley was a smart, energetic, no-nonsense kind of girl who encompassed the meaning of unconditional love. At the age of 15-years old, her mother suddenly died and Keonna watched as her and her five siblings faced the threat of being split among family. Keonna decided that this was not an option so she kept the house that they grew up in and for ten years she did everything she could to ensure the success of her siblings, with the youngest only one-year old.  She gave up a full-scholarship for college but her true pride and joy was in seeing the success of her siblings. Keonna lived to see the second eldest child, Monkeith go off to college and she married and gave birth to her one and only son. One night, God decided she had given all she could and that her time on this earth was complete. He accepted her into Heaven peacefully in her sleep at the young age of 25. Doctors concluded that she died of an enlarged heart.

This painting is my humble way of paying homage to this great woman who left such a powerful legacy in her short time on earth. She taught all of us who knew her and those who have heard her story, a real lesson in what unconditional love and sacrifice really mean. Words flow throughout the painting in order to quickly share her story with those who come into contact with it, and hopefully leaves them with something to think about long after they’ve gone.

Keonna and her siblings Monkeith, Sunnaye, Krystal and Farquan worked hard to keep things together, and they did.

To You Keona

"Lubna's Vision of Peace" – Acrylic 2010

This painting is dedicated to Lubna Hussein, a brave Sudanese journalist who stood up to her government in a battle for women's rights. In July 2009, Ms. Hussein was arrested and charged with Indecency for wearing pants in public. Standing trial she faced a punishment of 40 lashes and one month in prison. This could have easily been avoided due to immunity granted by her UN employer, however she decided to quit her job to be sentenced alongside the 12 other women arrested that day for the same “crime.”

This painting uses a diverse mix of symbols; some religious, some cultural and some historical, but all united as one peaceful flow without clashing. The red color that cuts through the painting represents the blood that women have spilled as a result of this brutal law and desire to to live in a society free of intimidation at their own free will.

Lubna sits at the top like a queen wearing the ankh, a symbol of life and strength, as this is what she represents to women across the globe. For her bravery, sacrifice and dedication to the cause. To Lubna.



"Source of My Strength"  - Acrylic 2008

Everyone has a secret weapon. Here is mine that is no longer a secret. Everything I do, everywhere I am I carry it with me for strength to move, courage to dream and wisdom to understand the path to take when it comes. It is how I get by and why I can now say this life is a beautiful adventure and not a constant reminder of dreams too far to reach.

The woman bows her head silently in prayer and is completely surrounded by words exchanged that are only understood between her and God.

Dreams can be reached but you must forget about yourself and your limitations and trust in God. He will provide you with everything you need at the right time but you must pray for guidance and trust it when it comes. Stepping out into an unfamiliar path may leave you anxious and nervous at times, but over time you will learn that trusting in God beats the tears, stress and constant fear over things you cannot change. He will provide you with everything you need, when you need it, which fortunately isn’t always when we think we do.

Ebony's Work in Somaliland in pictures

Ebony's Page

Info about Afrikanation - http://www.eidart.com/afrikanation.html