Bummi Anderson shares her twin Femi’s work in ‘An Unfinished Life’ exhibit

ALBANY — You’ll forgive Bummi Anderson, I’m sure, her seeming indifference to her twin sister Femi Anderson’s artwork in the aftermath of Femi’s untimely and tragic death in the early stages of the local outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.

In fact, Bummi was in no way indifferent to the sister she loved, her equally talented other half. It’s just that looking at those works — the photographs, the acrylics, the graphic art, the pencil drawings — just hurt too much.

Those works will be on display at the Albany Area Arts Council’s Carnegie Library Gallery starting Monday when Bummi and her friend Elizabeth Delancy present the exhibit “An Unfinished Life: The Works of Femi Nilaja Anderson.”

“Going through Femi’s works was jarring,” Bummi Anderson said as she talked about the artwork that is part of the exhibit that will run through Nov. 21. “As I started gathering these works, I found myself getting angry, hurting again at this tragedy that was so unexpected. I went through a period where I was not even able to look at her artwork.

“But preparing for this exhibit has, in some ways, helped me. Avoiding Femi’s work was, I know, part of the grieving process, and that’s a process I’ll probably deal with the rest of my life. But the more I got into putting together her works for this exhibit, the more I was able to open up and just say, ‘I really miss you.'”

Bummi Anderson, who is the proprietor of Ibeji (which is Nigerian for “twins”) Media, and Delancy, who is the director of dance at Albany State University and a principle in the EJD&D Associates consulting business, said the exhibit allows Femi Anderson’s work to come “full-circle” from the days Femi was a member of the Arts Council’s Board of Directors and ran the Renaissance Art Cafe business in downtown Albany.

“I knew Bummi was going through such a range of emotions when she started gathering Femi’s work for this exhibit,” Delancy said. “And, yes, there was a lot of anger, anger that the loss of this amazing life was so unexpected and so unnecessary. The poor response of the government resulted in numerous avoidable losses in Albany.” 

“But the process — Femi’s computer was stolen, so Bummi had to find these works through social media, calling on old friends, looking in storage facilities … excavating bits and pieces — became cathartic in a way. I could see that she wanted to make this personal.”

Arts Council Executive Director Nicole Willis said that while she was pleased that Bummi agreed to present “An Unfinished Life” at the Arts Council’s gallery, she, too, felt a kinship and experienced the sense of loss of this significant artist.

“Femi was actually on the board when the Arts Council hired me, so we had that connection,” Willis said. “But it was more than that. If you knew Femi, she was your friend. She was kind, helpful, effervescent, and she always wanted to help everybody be better. I saw her help so many people bring their art to life.

“I know for me personally, and I think for the Arts Council, it only made sense to host this exhibit here. We are so pleased and honored to share Femi’s work and celebrate the impact she and her art had on this community.”

While “An Unfinished Life” opens Monday and will be available for viewing during regular Arts Council hours, noon-4 p.m., Monday-Thursday, or other hours by appointment, the reception for the exhibit will not be held until Oct. 24. That gathering will be held from 6-8 p.m.

Delancy said that while she’s proud to see the exhibit bring Femi Anderson’s art to a wider audience, she’s also proud of the healing work Bummi Anderson put into making the exhibit happen.

“I watched her work through a lot of stuff in this process,” Delancy said. “Her sister was not just a talented artist, not just a mentor to so many people, she was a bridge to this community. I think Bummi learned a lot through gathering her sister’s works, and I’m proud that she’s still standing strong.”

As for Bummi Anderson, she’s started to come to terms on some level with the loss of her twin. And the pride she feels for her has never wavered.

“I always say I hope I’m remembered as she’s being remembered,” Bummi said. “I know where she started. And I can look at her work now and just be very proud.”

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