Custom Velvet Souvenir Wall Hanging, 2022

 

Custom Velvet Souvenir Wall Hanging, 2022, textile installation

Installation View in 'Tropical Is Political' at Americas Society, 2022

This installation consists of 15 hand-made wall hangings which act as proto-souvenirs. They are modelled on the velvet wall hanging that was pervasive in the 1970s-90s globally as a souvenir available from exotic locations. They were commissioned for the 'Tropical Is Political' exhibition held at Americas Society in 2022 and curated by Marina Reyes Del Franco. This work came from an earlier hand-embroidered iteration created in 2019 for a solo show at NLS Kingston. 

This iteration of the piece was machine embroidered by local woman-owned business CBStitch It based in St. Thomas, Jamaica and finished by hand by the artist. The work investigates possible methods of interrupting the mass import of souvenirs from manufacturers and sellers who are disconnected from authentic, layered and diverse experiences of a tourism-led economy like Jamaica.