Commissioned Art
As part of this project we commissioned four artists to create original pieces around the themes that emerged through the Windrush Wonder Art project.
acrylic, oil spray paint, paper collage and permanent ink on canvas.
Damel Carayol
Windrush Alphabet
Following the end of the 2nd ‘World’ War, the UK needed to rebuild the country. Many men had died or had been injured and institutions and infrastructures such as the NHS, London Transport and British Rail needed reconstitution. Britain to its territories and colonies in the Caribbean such as Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica to fill the voids, so recruited there with promises of a new and better life in the ‘Motherland’ - England. The Empire Windrush became the passenger ship that would ferry those able to afford and to leave their places of birth. An alphabet is there as the building bricks of words, speech and language to teach us the basics of communication and knowledge. This piece - Windrush Alphabet- Marries the aspects of Empire, 1950s Britain and the onset and aftermath of Caribbean migration to  England in particular, and the fact that the contributions of the Windrush Generation and the ensuing first, second and third generations have been so immense and meaningful to Britain and to the world, that a mere first name and alphabet initial is enough for due recognition   The scene is set not on the Union Jack but in the flag of England, for that was the Motherland
Radha Binod Sharma
ECHO (Protidhwani)
Echo is a series depicting the past as it emerges in the present; a vibration of energy and truth which cannot be covered up or diminished overtime. The Windrush generation who came to this country were individuals who had suffered deeply in their lands and came to England with hope and determination to start a new beginning. Their generational suffering meant they understood life and death and the meaning of what mattered most in human existence. They came with a deep-rooted intuitive know-how which was felt in their hearts, unspoken but true. The society in the UK with its own industrial rhythm focused on economical, and political realities and where a constant focus on productivity and performance has resulted in increased detachment from one’s own essential nature and with each other. The subjugation of hope and desire has permeated our lives slowly but incessantly, as if drowning in a sea of quiet despair. The present generation, both young and old are well aware of the power dynamics at play and seek the change needed to tackle societal needs. In particular, to instil hope in a culture where honest voices are drowned out by the dominant cultural narrative and the winds of constant change. Our need is to connect the present generation with past realities and the truths which matter and to help revive them in a way that is relevant and life enhancing today. The Windrush generation sound out a historical echo from their past which reverberates with relevance in the now. This painting is part of a new series which will be focused on helping people in different generations, remember their cultural roots embedded deep in their consciousness and to call them forth and strengthen their roots to give expression to new life. This forms the basis for ensuring that our historical and cultural past is not lost but bears fruit. At the core it is a humanistic movement in present time to find our centre and use this embedded consciousness as a compass for driving the changes needed at an individual and collective level.
Golden Fluid Acrylic Mounted Rice Paper on Handmade Paper.
89 X 71.5 cm.
Roselind Hunsel
Afokoto’s Kumba Patu
Afokoto is the grandmother in our spiritual existence. The spirit of intuition. In the spirit world , of the country Bakru Kondré, is the city Mammakoto. A matriarchal society lead by intuitive play , discovery and expression. This tripod pot is a reference to original iron/clay cooking pots that are a big part of Caribbean history. The three legs are key for stability and control of heat above a fire. In the city of Mammakoto the tripod also signifies a more open unexpected choice of movement and direction. Afokoto is adorned with scented beads (Sage). A reference to many cultures around the world where beads were used as trading currency, beauty and wealth. The beads are scented with sage referring to purity, good health and good taste. Afokoto’s Kumba Patu is in memory of the windrush generation and Roselind’s Surinamese cultural connection where all things food fashion and fancy, have carved a path for our hopes and dreams.
a
Oil on linen
120cm x 80cm
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Ruma Nowaz
A Garden in Paradise
Prior to the sub-division of the Indian sub-continent in 1947 by the British, India, Pakistan and later Bangladesh, and parts of Afghanistan, were one country. This was ruled by the Islamic Sultanate from the twelfth Century onwards. The Mughal dynasty in the seventeenth Century, studied flowers and plants in this area, stylised flower designs, and with the Arabesque design, incorporated them in shimmering silk and cotton textiles throughout the sub-continent The Paisley pattern adopted by the Scottish is one such example of this heritage. The people of this sub-continent were invited to Britain to fill the manpower shortage after the war. They not only did manual jobs, but also were part of the backbone of the NHS, as doctors and nurses. They were also Teachers, scientists, historians, philosophers and other professions. They  started small businesses as caterers, corner shops and other businesses.  They also brought their rich cultural heritage in Art, poetry, singing, music, dance, literature, philosophy and yoga amongst other things. This painting celebrates the cultural contribution of the Asian diaspora to the UK . The painting alludes to this heritage but also uses motifs and flowers originating in this sub-continent and in the UK .