Many West Indians, including my ancestors, migrated to Britain seeking a better life and hoping to return home with the wealth they accumulated. Unfortunately, despite bringing a rich cultural heritage with them, they felt compelled to assimilate into British society to fit in and succeed. The brief period my ancestors spent in the West Indies after gaining freedom, followed by their move to England, has diluted my sense of connection to both places. My family, in their effort to survive and thrive in the UK, absorbed British culture, making it feel more like home than the Caribbean. Understanding that my heritage originates thousands of miles away makes me feel even more disconnected. There is still much work to be done in understanding and preserving our identity. I hope to engage in this work with my family and for future generations, ensuring we don't lose our sense of identity and heritage.

Beverley Devonish

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I am a London-based artist, born and raised in the vibrant heart of the city. My artistic journey began with a focus on textile art, reflecting my formal training in this field. Over the years, my work has evolved to encompass a multidisciplinary approach, driven by a deep desire to explore and express my heritage. Artistic Journey and Inspiration As a first-generation Black British artist, my work is a narrative exploration of identity and heritage. The question of how to navigate and articulate my narrative through art has been a central theme in my recent work. This introspection led me to delve into my African roots, realizing the complexities of Caribbean art and its often overshadowed voice. The vibrant and diverse cultures of the Caribbean islands, such as Barbados and Antigua, have a rich yet underrepresented artistic heritage. My work seeks to illuminate this heritage, questioning what a Caribbean art movement might look like and how it could contribute to the broader spectrum of Black art. Artistic Expression and Medium My current body of work is characterized by its use of vivid, bold colors and intricate layers of storytelling. Through textiles, tufting, painting, and mixed media, I create pieces that echo the lost voices and untold stories of my ancestors. The complex passages of linear detail and colorful mark-making are deliberate choices to express a rich, layered narrative. The use of lurid colors in my art serves a dual purpose: it is a tribute to the vibrant lives and dreams of my forebears, and a means to amplify their voices in a contemporary context. These colors are a visual representation of the stories, struggles, and aspirations of Caribbean peoples, aiming to ensure that their legacy is neither forgotten nor ignored. Vision and Impact My art is a celebration of my cultural background and an exploration of identity through a modern lens. It is a call for greater recognition and celebration of Caribbean art within the broader context of African and Black art. By weaving together textiles, color, and narrative, I hope to contribute to a collective consciousness that honors the diversity and richness of Black artistic expression. In my work, I strive to create a space where the stories of the Caribbean can be heard, appreciated, and remembered. Through my artistic journey, I hope to inspire other artists of Caribbean descent to explore and express their unique narratives, enriching the global tapestry of art with their diverse and vibrant voices.