If living in Africa were your happiest days, then you’ll want to know why I made this.
‘My Ancestor, My Destiny’ is constructed by 5-6 pieces of artworks that construct a narrative. Each work adds to the narrative. The pieces tell a whole narrative together. I chose this medium because it allows me to show the rawness and truthfulness of Black Ancestry. I’m uniquely presenting the subject of Ancestry as a religion. I grew up as a black kid in Portugal wanting to be white. I even asked my mother if I could become white one day.
I was thinking about the generational trauma blacks have due to slavery, how that has affected african culture, how black people perceive themselves and the people who look like them. I’m investigating the belief that Blacks have no history besides slavery. My personal belief comes through the work through the portrayial of ancient people and their culture, convincing unbelievers that Blacks do have a dignifying history to be proud of, besides slavery or Black European Royalty.
If you see the pieces in person you will immediately have the feeling of pride. Each stroke and each shade gives you the feeling of holding hands with your parents at five years old by secretly telling you all the good things about you and where you’re from. I made this series to tell to my younger self that it’s okay to be proud of my dry skin in the winter, my dark looking face and my black person mannerisms. It’ll make you want to be what you already are. Watching them everyday, day by day will give you a sense of walking in the clouds. It’ll taste like chocolate ice cream. Your five year old self will thank you. Your ancestors will dance in happiness around you and they will celebrate your higher self.
If you resonate with this feeling or this ideas, then I’d like to invite you to have one of this works in your life. Purchase it below. 🙂
