Sonia E Barrett (B. 1975) is a multidisciplinary artist of Jamaican-German heritage, currently based in London, UK. Working across photography, digital and sculptural installations, Barrett describes her practice over the past decade as always “dealing with what holds us together, what keeps us apart.”
My story with Jackie Hinkson began over 30 years ago. I keep close vivid memories of flipping through large calendars featuring the most luminous and vibrant watercolour paintings of Caribbean landscapes and seascapes printed by an insurance company at that time I believe. The paper stock for these calendars was thick and textured, with the distinct scent of fresh new school books.
If Art is a reflection of the times, then Artists, artmakers and creators of things, continue to give us clear insight into our ever changing world-s at any given moment in time.
What happens when process becomes the focus? Couldn’t the studio become a collective research experience?
Flickering candles, lightning, streaks of white across the ocean, fireflies. How is it that the simplest glimmer of Light holds the power to soothe and stir the depths of our imagination?
Encouraged and supported by his father to pursue Art-making from an early age, Christopher or Chris, fondly remembers his earliest memories of Art: watching his dad sketch outside the family home, his father’s gift to him of a Van Gogh painting print of “Tree” which he keeps close, insightful conversations with Trinbagonian career artist Jackie Hinkson for his A-level research project…the many, not-so-minute details, which light the way for an aspiring artist.
When we speak about Art, the Art world, there’s a broad range of language, vocabulary and imagery (of course) that comes to mind: from “The Masters”, Art markets, blue chip work, pristine art galleries, million dollar sales at exclusive Auctions, to Art as an investment and sadly the state of “the struggling artist.” Depending on […]
Sometimes life happens to you and you’re so happy you can’t believe it’s real. I remember the most – well one of the most – traumatic events of my life: choosing secondary school subjects and I was confronted with the choice of Biology or Art. Biology was obviously the safer/ “better” choice (as most Caribbean […]
What happens when a society gets trapped in a cycle of excess cash and consumerism? Could there be a link between increasing murder rates in countries which are the world’s top oil producers/extractive economies ? And at what point could “progress” as we know it, lead us to our own demise?
Sometime during the height of the “lock down” I had reason to venture out of my house. While driving through Port of Spain, I saw spray painted on some galvanize around a construction site, “COVID NUH REAL”. A conspiracy theory in three words. When the unexpected occurs, especially if it’s tragic, it is human nature […]
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