Virginia Street

This painting is the latest work emerging from the Absent Voices initiative.Its really a collage of ideas and personal memories relating to my families connections to the industry.My great grandfather Alexander Cochrane was killed in Walkers sugar refinery the night the place took a direct hit from a German bomber during the blitz in 1941. These are strong emotions and Ive been exploring his story more and unearthing some amazing material.Im also fascinated by the darker side of the sugar trade-slavery and persecution of indigenous peoples across the Americas.I think these paintings are cathartic explorations played out like memories ,pinned to my childhood bedroom wall along with pop posters and movie icons.