Soraya
 
Abu Naba’a
Uncertain Future
2012

Oil on canvas

77 x 171 in

Soraya

Abu Naba’a

Uncertain Future (2012) is part of Soraya Abu Naba’a’s Visual Biographies, a body of work that captures the diverse social fabric of the Dominican Republic while exploring themes of generational trauma, resilience and identity—both individual and collective. The Dominican Republic, influenced by immigrants from various nations and cultures, serves as a rich backdrop for these explorations.

In Uncertain Future, children observe their parents and grandparents, perceiving them not just as family members but as reflections of their own potential futures. The parents, who met in high school—the same one Abu Naba attended—

embody a narrative of love and growth, revealing their fears and uncertainties alongside unconditional love.

Photographed in her studio, each generation maintains its individuality while acknowledging their interconnectedness. The figures are arranged along the canvas, linked by lines and colors yet never touching, symbolizing their unique identities within the family. Pastel colors emerge through the bodies, with no skin painted—only features drawn and volumes created through bold hues that connect them. Collectively, the piece represents a journey and the construction of identity.

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