The Heritage series
The heritage series is a mixed media study of the cultural, familial and aesthetic rituals of black women from the Caribbean and the Diaspora pre and post-Windrush.
In the first series Heir - stories "Where I am from", the artist explores the notion of blood ties, rituals and stories passed down through beauty rituals and hair plaiting.
The work also celebrates inter generational connections made through grooming or practical duties, in the last piece "Passing on " the artist is pictured having her hair plaited by her goddaughter Lauren. Although this piece has the same heritage feel it also points towards the future and how we maintain our narrative and stories for the next generation.
The layering of this work demonstrates the complexities of being culturally displaced and having to co-exist between the two cultures of the Diaspora and Britain.
The artwork is a prompt for discussion, to promote pride and to inspire and reconnect with one's heritage.
This series was exhibited in the Espacio Gallery in Bethnal Green, The Tabernacle, and The Forest Gate Library Galley in 2020. The artist will continue with the theme producing another series in 2021.
©2019 Marilyn J Fontaine All Rights Reserved. Copyright