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I have been Bristol based since graduating from Norwich school of Art and
Design in 1996.
I am interested in creating work that dispels the notion of stereotypes and
draws on themes of race, identity and culture. My work reflects my own
experience as a black British woman of dual heritage seeking to reclaim
references to my African descent. I use painting, drawing mixed media and
video installation to weave the narratives that bring together the threads of
my journey through life. In my work I aim to present cultural explorations into
black subjectivity through images that confront Afro-centrism, gender
conceptions and notions of Black British identity.
Based at Spike Island Artists. studios since 2004, I continue to develop my
practice by creating new works, taking up residencies and engaging in artist
lead initiatives. Following my R&D visit to the Dak.Art Biennale in 2006 I was
awarded a place on the Picture-This Small Wonders scheme for new moving image
projects, this resulted in the making of the three screen DVD installation HLM
Costume. In this work I unite cultural, physical, cinematic and architectural
references through the imagery of Dakar. It is a personal journey combining
images and sounds of the lively streets of Dakar. As I share the experiences
of the Dakar women, viewers are able to share my journey, following my
immersion into the local culture.
I work extensively in community arts both locally and nationally facilitating
projects for museums, galleries, schools, colleges, prisons, hospitals and
community groups. I have worked in collaboration with The Arts Council of
England, Creative Partnerships and Bristol Cultural Development Partnership. I
am featured in the Bristol Education Action Zone curriculum resource
publication Black Bristolians .People who make a difference.. My studio
practice influences the workshops I run and I am committed to introducing
contemporary African and practicing Diaspora artists to young people and all
communities with whom I work. I am passionate about what I do, and my aim is
to encourage and inspire a broader understanding for the visual arts. |
