Not White

Not White by Cicely Blain
Acrylic, ink, metal and guache

Not White is an acrylic and ink painting on a landscape canvas with metal collage inspired

by the works of Chris Ofili. The work was inspired by a news story that hit British headlines

in which a school boy was banned from attending school because his hair was in corn-

rows which the school deemed as inappropriate. The parents argued that it was a form

of cultural representation and a way of maintaining clean and healthy afro hair. This lead

to an exploration of the difficulties faced by black and ethnic minority people, especially

youths, in Great Britain. The bright colours represent a juxtaposition between the vibrancy

of African and Caribbean cultures in contrast with the difficult realities that many immigrant

families face when settling in the West. The metal chains are reflective of entrapment.

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