Commissioned by Newham Council through People Powered places (Formerly named ‘Community Assemblies’) to create this mural in Forest Gate, London.
This fourty metre long mural pays homage to the Caribbean residents living in and around the area where the mural is situated with references to the local area and the Windrush Generation.
The chevrons motifs are based on zig-zags found on Kente, an African fabric. The chevrons convey energy, progression and a sense of “to and fro”. This complements the “pardner” hands, a Caribbean system of pooling money based on trust and friendship. Together, they celebrate culturally diverse communities helping each other. The swift (which visits nearby Wanstead Flats) references a migratory journey from Africa.
I was commissioned to design the mural on these concepts, adding my signature style tulips and flowers, the hummingbird and hibiscus to represent Newham’s African-Caribbean residents. The artwork conveys a powerful message of community and progress, presented in such a way as to engage with those who are the future of Newham.
Special thanks to local residents and various community groups in Newham who volunteered their time to paint the mural.
