Nanigi by Imani Burns

Displayed at Revelry on February 2026

NANIGI, meaning “my heart” in Garifuna, is an offering of myself. Working with a mix of mediums allows me to stay close to the natural world and to my own quirky inner rhythm. These materials ground the work and create a sense of calm, holding space for both softness and strength, while leaving room for play and gentle whimsy.

This body of work explores identity, spirituality, love, and ancestry. I’m drawn to the sacredness of everyday life, especially the moments that feel slightly enchanted, where memory lives in the body and our connection to the land shapes who we are. My family is from Belize, and although I have never lived there, I carry a deep spiritual bond to the place. That connection emerges through texture, color, organic elements, and intuitive, magical gestures—honoring a homeland held through lineage, imagination, and feeling rather than physical experience.

Each piece includes a natural element as a way of honoring ancestry, healing, and presence. Together, the works invite viewers to slow down, wander, and feel. NANIGI is less about answers and more about creating space—for rest, connection, reverence, and a joyful whimsy.