Acrylic on breeze blocks, glass, digital collage print presented at ArtCrawl Harlem on Governors Island

On the global stage of conflict, individuals are often reduced to pawns, or symbols of potential victory to be claimed. Civilians become human shields for those in power: royalty, religious leaders, and military figures, all protected by layers of defense. In the game of imperialism, everyone becomes a target.

Once removed from play, these figures are transformed into captives, or trophies displayed to demoralize the defeated. This concept was central to my previous work, Don’t Forget to CHECK!, exhibited at ArtCrawl Harlem in 2024.

Final Victory continues this narrative, presented as a singular object that embodies the legacy of violence while reclaiming cultural identity. It transforms a symbol of conquest into one of resistance and resilience.

On a personal level, this work reflects my own journey of reconnecting with my African heritage through my Grenadian roots. That path of discovery inspired travels across Africa’s five regions: North (Morocco), West (Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria), Central (Rwanda, Uganda), East (Kenya), and South (South Africa) as part of my Acacia series.

This piece bridges my Trophy series, which explores the impact of slavery and colonization, with the Acacia series, which celebrates the survival and richness of indigenous cultures throughout the African Diaspora. Final Victory specifically honors the Caribbean (represented by Grenada), where these traditions continue to endure and evolve.