“Mizizi” (meaning "Roots" in Swahili) is a wall installation by Jordan Rita Seruya Awori that explores the intricate, nonlinear relationship to ancestry. The work unfolds across multiple sections, each representing a distinct layer of the artist's lineage, arranged in a cascading formation that mimics the growth of roots, expanding and intertwining.

At the heart of the installation lies the concept that ancestry is not a linear path but a complex web of interconnected threads—each lineage, each connection, interdependent and ever-evolving. The fluidity of the lines and shapes, which move across the wall, spill into adjacent spaces, echoes the interconnectedness that defines our understanding of self and heritage.

The piece creates a duality of overwhelming intricacy and calming cohesion, enveloping the viewer in a visual experience that reflects the expansive nature of our connections. “Mizizi” asks the viewer to reconsider their own relationship with ancestry, to reflect on the web of ties that shape our identities and the broader networks that bind us all.

The Ukoo (meaning lineage in swahili) collection reflects JRSA's exploration of the intricate, layered relationship between identity and ancestry. Through this body of work, she delves into the complexities of lineage and heritage, emphasizing the interwoven threads that define and shape one’s sense of self. Informed by her personal journey and the stories passed down through generations, the collection speaks to the non-linear, dynamic nature of ancestral connections. Each piece within Ukoo invites contemplation of how the past continuously informs and transforms the present. With layered techniques and powerful symbolism, the collection uncovers the ongoing dialogue between tradition, personal narrative, and the evolving landscape of identity.