Family bonds

The artwork depicts a mother (character in a checkered bodysuit) and daughter (the visible character) sharing Sunday dinner on Belle Isle, Detroit. Similar to many outdoor familial environments in Jamaica, this specific Michigan landmark, surrounded by the Detroit River, has long been a setting for family gatherings and creating meaningful connections. The artwork explores the role of nurturing in the lives of Black women, focusing on motherhood and the impact of maternal care within Black family dynamics.

A ruby-throated hummingbird, commonly seen in Michigan during spring and summer, symbolizes the nurturing spirit, evoking grandmothers and ancestors who offer wisdom, peace, and comfort. The hummingbird, along with the artwork's colors, facial expressions, and embrace, encapsulates the enduring care and love passed down through generations, highlighting the strong bonds within Black families.

The fan in the daughter's hand serves as a time capsule, holding memories that reflect the rich history of Black families in Detroit. It brings to mind past gatherings at Belle Isle, like family picnics and reunions, reinforcing the strong sense of community that has made Detroit a home for me and many others.

On the checkered bodysuit

Within this work, as in many others, the checkered bodysuit symbolizes my presence within the narrative. It represents the multifaceted layers of my identity, intertwining elements of femininity and softness, which starkly contrast with the expectations I encountered growing up in Jamaica.

The checkered bodysuit serves as a visual metaphor for how I navigate and reconcile these diverse aspects of myself. The pattern reflects the complexity and variety within my identity, with each square representing a different experience, trait, or influence that has shaped who I am. The association with femininity and softness challenges the traditional and often rigid expectations of gender and behavior prevalent in my upbringing.

In the Afro-Cuban group called the Abakuà, femininity is forbidden to the extent of death — a narrative similar to homophobia in the Caribbean at large. In Jamaica, there is a strong cultural emphasis on specific roles and attributes, especially concerning gender norms. By incorporating the checkered bodysuit into my work, I assert my individuality and the fluidity of my identity against these ingrained societal expectations.

This juxtaposition highlights the ongoing process of self-discovery and acceptance as I embrace all parts of myself, regardless of external pressures or cultural constraints.