Yesterday was another fascinating and moving morning viewing prints from The Image of the Black in Western Art Project at Senate House Library for our work in animating Caribbean Collections at the British Museum. I was astounded to learn of the immense volume of art spanning nearly 5,000 years that has been unearthed across Europe and the USA by art historians on behalf of John and Dominique de Menil who were champions of human rights.
I’m now thinking about what narrative to create from what I’ve seen today – portraits of Haitian royalty, enslaved and free Black people on Caribbean islands, working, celebrating and being mocked in British political cartoons. Sometimes the artwork presents a tranquil picture of domesticity amidst the horrific brutality of the times.
I’m learning so much and am thoroughly enjoying being able to dig deep into these insightful archives…
