Gio Swaby's Artwork Reveal: Steady Sunward

Bahamian artist Gio Swaby unveils a new public artwork on The Underline that connects Miami and Nassau through color, portraiture and shared cultural history. The reveal takes place Saturday, August 29 along The Underline between SW 31st and 32nd avenues, where Steady Sunward transforms four Metrorail columns with silhouetted figures inspired by the women in Swaby’s childhood circle. Drawing its title from the Bahamian national anthem, the commissioned work also reflects the historic ties between The Bahamas and nearby Coconut Grove.

Born in Nassau and based in Toronto, Swaby is an interdisciplinary artist best known for textile portraits that explore Black womanhood, personal style and relationships among friends and family. For Steady Sunward, she draws on the vivid palettes of both Miami and Nassau, using images of mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters and friends to evoke familiarity, connection and community.

The unveiling includes remarks by Swaby and City of Miami commissioners Damian Pardo and Ralph Rosado, along with Bahamian light bites and a live Junkanoo band. The artwork is located on columns 374 N-S and 375 N-S, a short walk from the Boys & Girls Club of Miami. The project was made possible with support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.