Sun and Moon (please note this is part of a dual painting, this is MOON). Sun and Moon represent dual personalities, both influencing our disposition. The two pieces were created simultaneously, with each one complementing the other to form a harmonious balance. They reflect the different facets of my personality-one steady and unchanging, the other adaptive. The Sun, our star, represents the constant core of who I am: my DNA, ethnicity, and race. The Moon, our satellite, symbolizes how I shift and adapt to the world around me. Though I strive to stay true to myself, societal expectations often push me to assimilate and fit in. The larger circle represents the Sun, and the smaller circle represents the Moon. These pieces are designed to be hung together as a set, reflecting their interconnectedness and balance. Painted on circuit canvas, no white background.

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.