Artist Statement
Buju Banton, The Little Glyndebourne Theatre, St Andrews, Jamaica
My Praxis
My work exists at the intersection of theory and practice—what I consider my praxis—where visual storytelling, cultural preservation, and historical inquiry converge. Through photography, objects, and narrative, I engage both the intellectual and material aspects of African American life. By doing so, I aim to challenge us to rethink the evolving narrative of Black identity and its agency in the present and future.
As a child of the African diaspora, I have always been fascinated by the intersection of myth and history. This fascination deeply influences how I view my role as both a witness and a storyteller, shaping my artistic vision. My work is rooted in Afromythology®, a term I coined in 2016 to describe my exploration of African American identity through the lens of myth and memory. I draw from diverse sources—African American ethnography, African spirituality, and the superposition of Blackness in contemporary media—to construct an imagined archive. This archive serves as both a cultural and spiritual call to action, challenging us to rethink our understanding of history and identity.
I primarily work with photography and mixed media, creating pieces that bridge the spiritual and the temporal. By blending traditional techniques with contemporary approaches, I use visual and material elements to engage with complex histories while questioning the role of Black identity in today’s world.
Through my work, I examine how forces like migration, displacement, and gentrification shape the lived experiences of African Americans. My goal is not just to reflect on the past, but to contribute to a broader conversation about the evolving narrative of Black identity and its role in shaping realities and perceptions alike.
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