We a Caribbean Family by Jawara Alleyne

WE A CARIBBEAN FAMILY.

JAWARA ALLEYNE, FASHION DESIGNER/ARTIST, LCF (ALUMNI).

We A Caribbean Family is a self-portrait like - exploration of the self and individualism through community, an examining of culture, heritage and personal history through my childhood memories on Gabby Street and Green Vale in Jamaica. The project looked at the characters whose paths crossed over mine lending to the development of my experiences and perspective. Highlighting the seemingly unimportant moments of our upbringing. Commenting on the significance of those around us who unintentionally form the fiber of our being through the complex webbing of crossed paths. Cousins. Neighborhood farmers. Uncles who weren’t uncles. The lady across the street that gave us oranges. Daddy Poo and Daddy Roy (our cousin’s fathers) Sister Annette from Top Road Pentecostal. Church members who were quick to chastise when your granny was singing on the choir. The taxi driver that always picked you up for church on Sunday morning. These encounters. Conversations. Days of play in the common. Nights of hanging out under the street lights. Does the self exist without these experiences? Does the self exist without the collective?

Photo Credit: Ava Anttinen