The way I see it, culture is always evolving, a product of our present moment. While it might seem like semantics, the idea of "losing our culture" raises a little flag for me. To me, culture is how people express their identities _now_. Heritage, on the other hand, feels more rooted in the past, in tradition. That being said, culture absolutely thrives on heritage, and it brings up the fascinating question of what aspects of our shared stories we choose to preserve, update, or even let go of.
Dancehall and Carnival, in their vibrant energy, are modern expressions of Caribbean culture. And here in Toronto, we're fortunate to host the largest Caribbean Carnival outside of the islands. Toronto Carnival offers this amazing gateway for the Caribbean diaspora and the wider community to experience our culture. Yet, I sometimes feel that the heritage, the deeper understanding, can get a little lost in the celebration. There isn't always a clear grasp of the music, the intricate costumes, the underlying themes and characters in a masquerade, and how they connect with the needs, concerns, and collective spirit of the people who shaped our heritage. With "Masquerade is Rebellion," I really wanted to explore these rich connections.
This exploration then led me to craft a photo exhibit, where I paired the powerful images with some short poems to illuminate the foundational elements that define the culture of the places I and my Caribbean community call home. "Masquerade" also opened this wonderful door for me to share this story with Ontario through an interview on CBC Morning Radio. My hope with this project was to gently remind everyone to truly enjoy the vibrancy of the party, while also remembering and appreciating the history behind the incredible vibes, because that history only makes the music even sweeter.
