Pie Herring: “I Am Because We Are: Paintings from a Ghanaian Residency”
Artist Pie Herring will exhibited a new series of paintings in a solo exhibition “I Am Because We Are: Paintings from a Ghanaian Residency” with Arms Around the Child at CasildArt Contemporary in London from 28th February to 8th March 2025. Curated by co-founder of AATC Art Residency Jason Colchin-Carter.
Herring produced 20 paintings and a limited edition print of the main Exhibition painting ’Senya’ during an artist residency at the newly opened Arms Around the Child ‘Christian Atsu Educational Centre’ in Senya Beraku, Ghana in 2023-2024. This series showcased a kaleidoscope of multi-figured paintings seeped in colourful activity, as well as a collection of intimate portraits fusing classical methods with contemporary flair.
Herring’s work is a celebration of the cultural richness that shaped her experience of painting along Ghana’s coast. On display is an array of bustling fishing scenes, lively markets, and women adorned in traditional attire. Through radiant hues and layered compositions, she immerses viewers in the rhythm, energy, and stories of the people she encountered in Senya Beraku.
“Experiencing a new landscape steeped in heritage and culture has had a profound impact on my work. With this collection, I hope to share the vitality and spirit of this extraordinary community with a broader audience.” Pie Herring
The “I Am Because We Are” collection revealed a series of figurative paintings created by Herring during her artist residency with Arms Around the Child.. The AATC artist residency offered Herring a unique opportunity to travel to Ghana, where she immersed herself in the charity’s mission and explored the country’s energetic culture, rooted in tradition and full of personality. She was also given the chance to engage with the country’s thriving and emerging global art scene, which deeply influenced her creative process.
The exhibition’s title “I am Because We Are” emphasises the concept of mutual responsibility and care within the communities which are at the heart of Arms Around the Child’s work. It emphasises the importance of supporting and uplifting one another, recognising that the flourishing of each individual contributes to the overall well-being of the community. This philosophy highlights the idea that individual identity is not isolated but rather emerges within the context of communal life. One’s sense of self is inseparable from the collective identity of the community, shaped by shared experiences, values, and cultural heritage.
The exhibition included an invitation-only reception on 7th March, where visitors could meet the artist and explore the inspirations behind her work. Herring was also present throughout the duration of the exhibition to host tours and discussions about the collection.
The exhibition was successful, well attended, and almost sold out of pieces. The two floors of CasildArt Contemporary were filled with people eager to chat with Pie about her work or learn more from Arms Around The Child’s director about the mission of the residency.
Furthermore, two of Herring’s paintings of children from the Christian Atsu Educational Centre – Enos and Timothee – were kindly purchased and sent back to the school and home for the children to keep. Not only do these pictures now adorn the walls of their school, but they are a reminder of Pie and her time on the residency – as the children enjoyed every moment of her workshops and spending time with her.
Pie Herring, a celebrated name in contemporary figurative painting, is renowned for her ability to capture the dynamism of human experience and culture through her expressive brushwork and charismatic narratives. Her work explores themes of identity, community and human connection and is deeply influenced by her travels and residencies across the world. Her work has been exhibited with galleries internationally including New York, London, Nairobi, Marrakech and Mombasa.
Ghana’s contemporary art scene has surged in recent years, emerging as a dynamic force within the global art landscape. During her residency Herring spent time exploring Accra’s contemporary art spaces and scenes. She was heavily inspired by the bold use of colour, intricate patterns and powerful cultural storytelling she observed. This influence is no more evident than within Herring’s painting “Senya”.
The AATC residency programme is dedicated to furthering the promotion and support of Ghana’s art scene by creating a bridge whereby local and international artists can meet to share ideas and gain influence, In addition to supplying access to schooling, art and materials in rural areas of the country.
Ellie Milner, Global Director, Arms Around The Child comments: “Pie Herring’s involvement in the AATC Art Residency has been extraordinary. Her passion, creativity, and deep commitment to connecting with Ghanaian culture have brought our vision for this residency to life most meaningfully. Pie’s art not only celebrates the vibrant traditions of Ghana but also shines a light on the children and communities we strive to support. Her work has enriched our mission, creating a bridge of understanding and compassion through creativity. This residency has grown into a vital platform for cultural exchange and advocacy, and Pie has been instrumental in its development, leaving a lasting impact on the charity and the communities we serve.”
Artist Pie Herring says: “The AATC Art Residency has been a profoundly transformative experience for me. Immersing myself in Ghanaian culture—its vibrant traditions, art, and storytelling has not only inspired my work but also deepened my understanding of the resilience and beauty within these communities. Witnessing the incredible work Arms Around The Child does to support vulnerable children and families has been humbling and motivating. It’s a privilege to contribute to a project that bridges cultures and creates opportunities for artistic and human connection. This journey has left an indelible mark on my life and my art.”
We at the Arms Around The Child Artist Residency now turn our sights to Autumn 2025 – for an incredibly special group exhibition in Accra titled The Language & Image of Us. Held during Accra Cultural Week and hosted in partnership with LaFa Foundation – the exhibition will showcase the work of talented Ghanaian and diaspora artists to a broad local and international audience. Zahra Faye (LaFa) and Jason Colchin-Carter (Arms Around The Child Art Residency Co-founder) are curating the exhibition, while we are delighted that UNESCO will be one of the sponsors of the event.
Pie Herring will be among the artists submitting pieces exploring the themes of identity, both personal and collective; and the ways language (spoken, erased, reimagined) and image (projected, distorted, reclaimed) shape who we are. What have we inherited? What are we resisting? What are we choosing to become?
Children are central to this exhibition, not as symbols, but as participants in the conversation. How they are seen, how they see themselves, and what kind of visual and linguistic world they are growing up within.
The Language & Image of Us isn’t just about visibility, it’s about authorship. It invites artists to reflect on how they’ve been spoken for, represented and misrepresented, and how they’re now reclaiming that narrative.
The Language & Image of Us is not only an art show, but a platform for showcasing Ghanaian and diaspora artists to global collectors and curators; aligning creative work with meaningful social impact; and raising funds for Arms Around The Child’s work supporting vulnerable children and mothers in Ghana.
More information on Pie Herring’s artist residency with Arms Around the Child can be found here: https://armsaroundthechild.org/pie-herring/