In response to the theme of the biennial, “Pressure,” I created The Weight of the Crown, a tryptic done in oil on canvas.

The work is driven by the idea of forced and voluntary migration of peoples to and from the Caribbean region and the ongoing struggle with navigating spaces that are both familiar and unfamiliar. I am fascinated by the stories surrounding the history of the Caribbean (and of Jamaica, in particular), the systems that govern the notion of cultural identity, and the devices employed to adapt to the spaces we inhabit. By referencing historical and current events of the relocation of people from the region, including of my family, I am curious about cultural heritage, how notions of culture are passed down through generations, and political systems of the regime.

The complete overview of Alicia Brown’s featured work can be found in the Kingston Biennial 2022: Pressure Catalogue, which is available for sale in the NGJ Gift Shop.