Abe Ilo

Abe Ilo, aka Stacy, is the grandson of iconic artist Annie F. Lee, famous for her authentic depictions of African American life, like “Al Ain't Here”, 
“You Next Sugar”, and
"Gimme Dat Gum.” From the start of her art career, Lee took Stacy under her wing and mentored him in all things art; art history, art theory, art composition, art culture, art appreciation, sketching, drawing, source of light, art business, and much more.

For three decades, the two spent countless hours
together. Being Annie's eldest grandson, barber, apprentice, best bud, and biggest fan, Stacy played an integral role in her company as the jack of all trades. When Annie Lee passed in 2014, he inherited the rights to her massive catalog, her
library of art books, cookbooks, and painting supplies. Ironically, in her absence, the lessons she
taught him resurfaced, providing an outlet for his healing and personal growth. He exhibited raw
talent out the gate and could not hold on to his first original works series. Painting and cooking
became his way of staying connected with his beloved grandmother.

To accept and embrace the new chapter in his life, as CEO of AFL35 (The Annie F Lee
Art Foundation 501C3 and Annie Lee Presents, LLC), Stacy took on the African appellation
Äbé llō, meaning father of nations and joyous light. He is also an author, speaker, and abstract
expressionist, bearing the torch of his grandmother's legacy while creating an art-fueled empire
of his own.