Bust

Bust by Cicely Blain
Acrylic on canvas

Bust is an acrylic painting on a portrait canvas inspired by the works of William Morris and Kehinde Wiley. The painting features the torso of a black female wearing a pink corset, traditional to 18th and 19th century Europe. The piece symbolises the attempt of ethnic minority groups in the United Kingdom to assimilate into British culture by disregarding traditional clothing, behaviour, attitudes and customs of their homeland to be accepted into the ways of their hosts. The piece comments on both the psychological difficulties of adapting as well as the physical; the traditional African female figure, known for its curves, is not well suited to the binding European styles and therefore breaks free of the garment.

Submission by Cicely Blain, United Kingdom, Jamaica, Gambia

UBC Intercultural Alliance Blog and Newsletter Coordinator

Africa Awareness Initiative, Caribbean African Association & International Students Association Member