Racquel Rowe

 https://racquelrowe.ca  @kellrowe

Racquel Rowe is an interdisciplinary artist from Barbados who has lived in Guelph for the past six years. She uses art to explore how historical events and perceptions shape modern day depictions of black wom*n and black culture and thus how these things affect her lived experience.

Her work takes the form of video, performance, and public intervention. Throughout all of her videos, colour is formally and symbolically employed, reminiscent of the vast Caribbean landscapes. Following a performance, she finds herself uncovering deep rooted memories of home that become stronger the more a performance is repeated. Recently, the majority of her performance art was shot at Ed Video Media Arts Center, and would not have been made possible without the help of staff and fellow artists Carolina Benitez and Madeleine Lychek.

WASHING RICE II (2020)

Recently, I began exploring the history of rice and rice as a cultural staple for many ethnic people. Rice is a low budget staple that’s foundational for many families. Washing rice is important because it not only removes the starch, but also dirt and other impurities. Washing Rice II originated from watching my grandmother enact this ritual in my childhood.”

TAKING DOWN (2020)

“Taking Down focuses on an act that many black wom*n are familiar with — taking their braids out. When they are long you may have to cut them first, and there is talent involved in being able to find where your hair ends and proceed accordingly. This process can be long and arduous but ultimately satisfying. The work analyzes public vs private life and black hair.”

Washing Rice II (2020): Rowe is sitting on the ground, on top of a folded tarp, wearing a headscarf, red tank top and blue skirt. Her legs are spread out wide like a triangle. On the ground in front of her is a pile of rice, a metal bowl with water, and a glass bowl that she is putting rice into.

MAKING SWEET BREAD WITH GRAN (2020)

“Making Sweet Bread with Gran is one of my newer works where I focus on the matriarch of my family as she does different tasks. I was fortunate enough to spend the summer at home in Barbados where I spent time learning how my granny makes traditional Barbadian dishes. This work examines the relationship between culture, food, history, and the passing on of traditions.”

BURIED (2020)

“Buried explores the old and painful narratives that surround black bodies and cotton. It is a reexamination of this long and painful history of enslaved labour, capitalism and materiality. During the performance, I am buried under a pile of cotton balls, remaining underneath until I can no longer bear it.

Taking Down (2020): Rowe is seated in a chair in front of a bright yellow backdrop, wearing all black with scissors and a pile of hair in her lap. Her arms are lifted as she is undoing one of her braids.