About me
My name is Jen, I'm an artist and illustrator who explores ideas surrounding cultural heritage and first generation Africans born in the UK. I explore these themes through sculpture, painting, print and illustrations.
A lot of British born Africans find it difficult to keep in touch will their roots due to the simple fact that they are not heavily surrounded by the culture on a daily basis. At times this can advance in to animosity and slight embarrassment towards the African culture. My work wants to encourage first generation Africans born and raised in the UK to cultivate and pay special attention to their heritage. The art I create communicates the process of developing confidence in one’s own culture. Our African roots must be celebrated and embraced even if we abide in another land.
My practice is mainly focused in sculpture with some elements of portrait painting. I use paper origami flowers to create large sculpture pieces communicating the idea of growth and nurturing. The paper used to create the flowers have African traditional patterns printed on them. The colours are bright and very vivid, suggesting the ideas of a celebration or festival. The shapes of each sculpture communicate a different message.
My body of work is simply a celebration of my roots, it’s my elementary way of showing gratitude to my heritage. My work as a whole is meant to be a spirited ceremony in itself.
Projects
Skills
- Illustration
- Painting
- Card Design
- Sculpture Design
- Children Illustration
- Enterpreneurship
- Packaging Design
- Fashion Design
- Fine Art
- Teaching