Dreamland Margate has today unveiled its latest artist commission for the Mural-by-the-Sea project.
‘Still Holding On’ by Valda Jackson of Spike Island studios in Bristol is a collage of photographs and drawings of children of the Windrush generation and is being exhibited on Dreamland’s large outdoor billboard until the beginning of October.
The images are set against an English oak backdrop, which Jackson describes as being “symbolic of tradition, permanence and home”. As a child immigrant of the generation herself, Jackson travelled with her sisters to join her parents in England from Jamaica at the age of five.
Jackson comments: “The piece has a cut and pastes quality, reflecting what has been revealed to be the precarious nature of those who are part of this generation’s status in this country.”
“The image poses uncomfortable questions around identity, belonging, responsibility, innocence and vulnerability. It explores contemporary issues around Britain’s role in Europe, the Commonwealth and the world, and highlights the neglected and vulnerable victims of prejudice, nationalism and ignorance.”
Open Call
Jackson’s piece marks the first in the series to be commissioned outside of Margate.
Following the popularity of Kent-based artist commissions such as Daniel Webb’s ‘Everyday Plastic’, the Mural-by-the-Sea series continues to grow. Having worked with a Bristol-based artist for this edition, the next artwork for the mural will be commissioned via a nation-wide open call.
Full information on the open call can be viewed at muralbythesea.co.uk.
Rebecca Ellis, Senior Creative Producer at Dreamland said: “We are incredibly proud to have Valda’s piece on display at Dreamland. It is hugely powerful and is an important next step in the Mural-by-the-Sea project. Our commissions so far have been hugely popular with visitors and it’s great to now be turning to artists all over the country to get involved. The open call is a fantastic chance for creatives to submit their ideas and receive a unique exhibition opportunity. We’re hugely excited to see the submissions that come in!”