Home

50x70 cm

My self-portrait Home celebrates the cultural influences that shape my identity, passed down from my Jamaican mother, who migrated to the UK in her early twenties. At the same age, I depict her hands twisting my hair into cornrows — a protective style passed through generations. In the background, floral wallpaper echoes my childhood living-room wall. Using Mod Podge, I created a transfer of this pattern onto the canvas, then deliberately tore and wore it down to contrast the pretty design and symbolise imperfection, reflecting my aim to portray myself in an honest, authentic way. I added hand-painted floral details in the foreground. The portrait is painted in acrylic, layered to build depth and expression.

The comfort of home underpins this reflection, alongside traditions shaped by my mother’s journey. As Marcus Garvey said, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture are like a tree without roots.”