5 Decades’ is the story of growing up in the UK, travelling from Tanzania, Africa as a young child with the family. The work documents the trials and tribulations of over five decades of life as an immigrant from initially an unwelcoming country to one that eventually became home.
Each scroll represents a decade in my life in England. The individual strips are dyed, painted and printed with each colour carefully selected to represent the theme for each decade. Using a range of printing methods, collagraphs, mono and screen printing, to capture key moments and events, working through the mix of painful and joyous memories during those fifty years.
An image that appears in each of the strips is that of my mother, who had a substantial influence on my life. Creating a strong and special bond that has influenced me, not only in my artistic journey but throughout life.
This collage of printed fabric captures conversations and stories, with the final layer of each scroll binding these memories together through kantha stitch.
