The World Reimagined at its core, is built on the belief in the transformative power of art: to inspire, to move and to open our imagination to new possibilities. It is a national artistic learning program involving over 200 schools across the country and taking action with the people, organisations & communities doing the work of making racial justice a reality.
In 2022, I was delighted my entry for designing a globe for The World Reimagined was selected. This project gave me the opportunity of working in a communal studio in South London with a wonderful group of local and international artists and with a small but highly efficient team of organisers. The studio was filled with support, friendship and inspiring and uplifting conversations.
I chose the theme Reimagine The Future because I feel the world has become too fragmented and our differences too deep-rooted. It feels that it is time to press the reset button and to celebrate our diversity and work on potential possibilities through creative collaborations. History has shaped each of our lives - experiences have shown that the ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’ approach only deepens and worsens these divisions and harms. What is instead possible is channelling our energies into more positively shaping the future.
Work in progress, Croydon Studio
In my depiction of a Reimagined Future, the globe is represented through the course of a complete day, from dawn to nightfall, narrating the ups and downs that every individual encounters on their journey. In this reimagined world, each person is more grounded, clear thinking and wise. The figures are illustrated with a stroke of acrylic paint suggested by rapid brush marks, forming crowds of people from every nationality, religion, colour, age and gender. The images of individuals are silhouetted against the bright light they hold within that supports each one to be kind, considerate, compassionate and tolerant towards themselves and to those around them, leading to a radiance that dissolves any intolerance to differences. The luminosity of each mind sets the globe aglow, restoring the oneness of spirit as global citizens.
The World Reimagined launch at Westminster Abbey on August 11, 2022
After the launch of the The World Reimagined at Westminister Abbey, the 103 globes went their separate ways to become part of 10 art trails in 7 host cities around the country, helping people travel through this Journey of Discovery. My globe was at Max Roach Park and part of the Southwark - Lambeth Art trail for three months until October 2022. You can read about all the artists on this trail at here
Illuminate, Max Roach Park, Southwark - Lambeth Art Trail
This culminated in all 103 globes being reunited at Trafalgar Square for a weekend in November 2022! It was moving to hear once more individual stories come together to raise awareness for racial justice and to strengthen our belief in the transformative power of art - to inspire, to move and to open our imagination to new possibilities
The World Reimagined, Trafalgar Square, London, 2022
Photo credit: TF Chan
In February 2023, it was exciting to discover that my globe Illuminate is now at the Prince’s Trust International. It was moving to see it in its new home and hear of the continued conversation and inspiration it brings.
Illuminate, Prince’s Trust International, Dorfman Centre, London