Gabriel Tendai Choto in Groundbreaking & Transformative Project ’The World Reminagined’

Gabriel Tendai Choto was invited by Yinka Shonibare to participate in 'The World Reimagined’, a major, groundbreaking project which saw the creation of seven trails of large ‘Globe' sculptures placed in seven cities across the UK and culminating in all the globes being shown in the centre of Trafalgar Square, London.

Each piece was created by a different artist to bring to life the impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and to transform how UK society understands its impact and legacy. The trails were at the centre of a broader education and engagement programme, with schools and community groups across the country. The World Reimagined is a vibrant project that will inspire and instil pride in what it means to be black and British and help us all better understand what it means to be British. Helping to create a nation which is rooted in acknowledgement, dignity and unity, cherishing our diversity.

Gabriel's globe responded to the theme ‘Echoes in the Present’, which focuses on how the Transatlantic Trade in Enslaved Africans and its related history has present day negative consequences: systemic inequalities and injustice; entrenched racism and prejudices; and the generational echoes which have traumatic physical, behavioural, psychological and material impact.

Choto states "In this painting I reference the Brookes diagram which showed how enslaved Africans were positioned on ships from West Africa to the Americas and Caribbean. People were positioned in a cramped order, way over safe capacities, and head to head. I decided to depict two children who are head to head and holding hands. They are trying to comfort each other in this frightening experience of transatlantic travel. I'm interested in how this relates to the African diaspora in Britain today. I imagine Echoes in the Present to be the divisive nature of colonial borders which continue to be promoted amongst Black people. However, in resistance, we are united – like the two children in my piece. We can choose to hold onto each other and be one others' support as we move towards racial justice together."

Gabriel’s globe was one of 9 selected for live auction at the close raising further funds for the project and its purpose.

For further information on ‘The World Reimagined’ click here

For further information on Gabriel Tendai Choto click here