Shannon Alonzo
My current practice based research explores ‘subterranean sentiments of collective belonging’, delving into the relationship between our cultural identity and the physical environments we inhabit. I’m particularly interested in theories of animism and the potential for the natural world (specifically Trinidad) to assert its own agency in the narrative of our story as a people. These themes have taken on a new shape throughout the quarantine period, as I (and indeed we) have been limited in our engagement with these environments, prompting questions regarding the effect that this change in dialogue may have on the ongoing production of cultural identity.
Bio
Trinidadian Artist and Designer Shannon Alonzo has been working in the creative industries since 2011, within a variety of roles including visual art, costume design and production design.
An alumna of the University of the Arts London, her creative vision is driven by a strong sense of Caribbean identity and a desire to explore the contrasting vibrance and melancholy of the Trinbagonian spirit. Her project collaborations with design house Meiling Inc. Ltd have included work with Peter Minshall and the Callaloo Company, Costume Design for 3Canal’s annual carnival productions and Wardrobe Design for the feature documentary ‘Pan! A Modern Odyssey’. Underpinning and fueling all other endeavors, Alonzo maintains her fine art practice, which has become her primary mode of self expression and creative inquiry. Her first solo exhibit, entitled ‘Of Smoke and Sunshine’, was presented at the Big Black Box in August 2015.
Most recently, an ongoing body of work entitled ‘IMPRINT’, was exhibited at The LOFTT Gallery (Port of Spain) in August 2019 and she is currently pursuing a Masters of Research in Creative Practice, at the University of Westminster, U.K. This year, she was awarded a grant from the 125 Fund in order to further her research and was shortlisted for the Ashurst Emerging Art Prize 2020.
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