The Colour Line

In the middle of the nineteenth century, Lafanu Brown, a Black woman artist, overcame adversity and became one of Rome's most established painters. In 2019, an Italian art curator of Somali origin is obsessed with her life and secrets while organizing an art exhibition that combines her paintings with those of young migrants.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 544 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2023
Publisher: HopeRoad Publishing Ltd

Lafanu Brown, a courageous woman of the nineteenth century, defied societal norms and pursued her passion for art. Born to a Native American woman and an African-Haitian man, she faced numerous challenges, including discrimination and violence, yet her indomitable spirit allowed her to pursue education, travel, and fulfill her dreams. In 1887, Lafanu resided in Rome, where she had established herself as one of the city's most renowned painters. However, her difficult life story began forty years earlier in a humble family.

In 2019, an Italian art curator of Somali origin embarked on a desperate mission to bring her younger cousin, who was only sixteen, to Europe. While organizing an art exhibition that aimed to showcase the works of Lafanu Brown alongside those of young migrants, the curator became deeply fascinated by the life and secrets of the nineteenth-century painter. Through the weaving of these two vibrant voices, Igiaba Scego has created a powerful exploration of the experiences of being an "other," a woman, and, particularly, a Black woman in a foreign country, both in the past and in the present.

Lafanu's journey began in a small village in Africa, where she faced discrimination and hardship from a young age. Despite the obstacles, she managed to attend school and gain an education, which was rare for women in her community. Her determination and talent led her to travel to Europe, where she encountered new opportunities and challenges.

In Rome, Lafanu faced discrimination and hostility from some members of the art community, who viewed her as an outsider. However, she persevered and continued to create her art, using her experiences and struggles as inspiration. Her paintings, which depicted the lives of Black women and children, were met with critical acclaim and became a symbol of resistance against oppression.

The curator's mission to bring her younger cousin to Europe was driven by a desire to provide her with a better life and opportunities. However, the journey was fraught with danger and uncertainty, as the cousin had to navigate a long and treacherous journey through the Mediterranean Sea. The curator became increasingly concerned for her safety and well-being, and she began to delve deeper into Lafanu's life and work in an attempt to understand her better.

Through her research, the curator discovered that Lafanu had faced numerous challenges throughout her life, including poverty, discrimination, and violence. She had also experienced the loss of loved ones and the struggles of being a single mother. Despite these hardships, Lafanu remained resilient and determined to pursue her dreams.

The curator's obsession with Lafanu's life and work grew as she delved deeper into her past. She became fascinated by the painter's use of color and her ability to capture the essence of her subjects. She also began to see parallels between Lafanu's life and the experiences of young migrants who were seeking a better life in Europe.

The art exhibition that the curator organized brought together the works of Lafanu Brown and those of young migrants, creating a powerful dialogue about the experiences of being an "other" in a foreign country. The paintings of Lafanu, which depicted the struggles and resilience of Black women and children, resonated with the migrants, who shared similar experiences of discrimination, poverty, and hopelessness.

In conclusion, Lafanu Brown's journey as an artist and her life story serve as a powerful exploration of the experiences of being an "other," a woman, and, particularly, a Black woman in a foreign country. Through the voices of Lafanu and the curator, we are reminded of the resilience and determination of those who face adversity and the importance of pursuing our dreams, no matter the obstacles we may face.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913109202