The Grip
Original Artwork
Price: £1,800
Medium: Acrylic Mixed Media on Canvas
Dimensions: 80 × 100 × 4.3 cm
Certificate of Authenticity included
The Grip tells the Windrush story through a more intimate and personal lens. The title derives from the Jamaican term for a suitcase, a familiar companion for many who journeyed to Britain in search of new opportunities. More than a container for possessions, the grip is also a symbolic representation of a world carried from one home to another.
At its centre, the open suitcase reveals treasured belongings that reflect identity, culture, memory and faith. These cherished possessions symbolise family, hope and the aspirations that inspired many to embark on the journey.
The surrounding water evokes the journey across the Atlantic, while also suggesting that life was not built on solid foundations, with the many challenges ahead. The distant aircraft and open sky symbolise both the journey and the possibilities that lie ahead. Embedded historical documents provide a subtle reminder of the legal and historical foundations of the Windrush era.
View the painting in a room setting
My Process
The Grip was created through a process of layering washes and translucent glazes, gradually developing the colour, atmosphere and depth of the composition. I used a range of textural materials, including modelling paste and lace fabric. Real documents were incorporated to create the passports, while a family photograph was placed within a frame built up with heavy modelling paste.
These tactile elements give the work a physical presence, creating a more immersive experience that invites viewers to look closely at the objects and imagine the memories they evoke. The lace introduces a softer, more intimate quality, evoking the domestic fabrics and treasured belongings carefully packed for the journey ahead.
As the layers developed, the suitcase became more than a container of possessions; it became an archive of memory, identity, faith and culture—a portrait of the lives carried within The Grip.
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Shipping costs are quoted individually based on your location and preferred shipping method. Original canvases can be shipped either rolled in a protective tube or on stretcher bars. Original artworks on wooden panels are shipped fully assembled. Hanging hardware is not included, allowing collectors to choose the most appropriate system for their space. Every artwork is professionally packaged and fully insured during transit. Worldwide shipping is available.