Freedom? The Paintings of Annie Allen

The paintings of local missionary Annie Allen raise questions on how we interpret freedom. Born into a world of privilege, she was ‘free’ to travel widely and her paintings offer a rich insight into the lives of tribespeople in Uganda as well as the culture and wildlife.

However, Annie was equally constrained by her obligations as a missionary and the limitations of her gender; particularly as a member of the ‘polite’ class. Her experience contrasts with the relaxed way of life her paintings convey: the wide spaces and freedom from Western ideology.

Through Annie Allen’s gaze, we are reminded of a world of paradoxes: The ‘hunter’ and empire constantly underly the vivid colours and zest for life documented in her paintings.

Access to the exhibition is included with museum admission.