Virtual Gallery
The Caribbean Preservation Alliance’s Virtual Art Gallery is a celebration of the Caribbean’s enduring spirit, rooted in liberation and the preservation of our vibrant cultural heritage. Showcasing works from both emerging and established artists, the gallery serves as a living archive of our islands’ stories, struggles, and triumphs. Each piece reflects the rhythm, color, and resilience of the Caribbean, offering a space where art becomes both preservation and resistance — connecting our past to our present and inspiring a liberated future.
Our featured artists for CPA’s 2025 Virtual Art Gallery include:
Kriston Banfield (He/Him)
Conviction/Firm Decision/2021 ---- Acrylic and Aerosol Paint on Paper
Kriston Banfield is a self-taught artist born on the twin island of Trinidad and Tobago and is currently based in New York City. His work is concerned with ideas of community and belonging, often referencing the process of finding one’s sense of place. By drawing heavily on elements of myth and spirituality he seeks to examine lived experiences and to question how social and economic disparities directly police the human experience, more so one’s availability to opportunity, power and stratification. His work takes the form of painting, drawing, sculpture and installation. To date, he has participated in a number of self produced exhibitions over a span of 7 years as part of an artists’ collective in his home territory and has had his work included in the 5th Ghetto Biennale in Port au Prince, Haiti and in the 19th Asian Biennale 2022 as well as he is a member of the LMCC Artist’s residency cohort of 2022 and is currently part of NYFA’s Immigrant Artist Mentorship Program’s cohort for 2025.
Barrington Brissett (He/Him)
I seem Peaceful ---- This piece is 30x40 acrylic portrait painting, which was inspired by the Kwame Ture monologue “I Seem Peaceful”
My name is Barrington Brissett, I am Brooklyn based artist and writer of Jamaican Descent. Through my work I want black people to feel seen and valued. My art is a love letter to my culture.
Jomani Danielle (She/Her)
Jomani Danielle (b.1997) Is a vibrant young artist and curator born and raised in the borough of Brooklyn. With a tenacious spirit she attacks everything she does with passion and optimism. Sometimes these attacks can be defective due to her aim constantly thrown off, distracted by alluring sidequests. The city of New York boasts many temptations, that of which she is aware- but growing in a sheltered home life kept her from tasting it’s spoils until the fresh age of 22. Now at the maturing age of 27, she looks back on the past five years of self liberation in her solo exhibition- “I Just Have A Lot Going On Right Now.” From her creative process in studio- she is often blasting music to inspire her work (synesthesia plays a large role in her art making) to her curatorial projects and exhibitions that have spanned from Manhattan through Brooklyn. She is a force. But what makes one a force, when they are often forcing their own desires down for the acceptance and palatability of others?"
Nathalie Etienne (she/her)
Aside the Hollowed Tree ‘23
Sacred Mothers ‘23
With Ease -- Watercolor/Oil on canvas Varnished
My name is Nathalie Etienne (aka Natou Ma’at) and I am a Certified Usui Reiki Master Practitioner and founder of Nanm Santre LLC, author of Moving Prayers: Twenty-two Petitions and Rituals for the Magical Novice and visual artist based in Brooklyn, New York. My service toward my community started out through holistic health advocacy alongside fellow plant-based chefs and influencers in Brooklyn through rethinking Afro-centered cuisine. Along this journey I shifted pathways, diving deeper in uncovering my spiritual gifts and truest calling. My artistic expression, once solely channeled through my writing, was uncovered during a healing season in my life. I now operate as a spiritual lightworker and creatrix offering Reiki healing, spiritual guidance through sacred ancestral divination all while creating channeled art pieces, handcrafting cruelty-free natural body care and spiritual products, facilitating annual healing events for women through my Goddess Awakening Circle, and more! I continue to maintain an identity deeply rooted in the service of my community as it has always been the cornerstone of my life’s path.
Matthew Francis (He/Him)
Me '19 ---- Self portraits of myself painted with palette knife
Mind of Wonder ‘19 ---- Abstract painting with acrylics
Redemption ---- Mixed media collage painting
Matthew Francis is a contemporary artist turning personal experiences into bold, textured acrylic works. Through vibrant color and layered techniques, he transforms pain, resilience, and curiosity into abstract stories that connect with the viewer’s own emotions
Tyrone Mckie (They/Them)
Jamaica From Afar '25 ---- This artwork simultaneously compresses Jamaica’s past and its possible future. Centrally, there is a large statue built in the future, a tribute to Rastafarian musicians and the impact they’ve had on Jamaica’s global recognition. However, the statue highlights the pattern of colonial-based systems, of honouring the tortured for surviving the oppression, yet prolonging the torture. In the shadow of the statue, the past is reflected, as Rastafarians face heavy state-sanctioned persecution.
The Road To Jamaica '25 ---- This reflects facets of Jamaica in its current state, emphasizing its portrayal as a tourist destination while citizens must contend with the realities; that of the entrenched colonial structures and mentalities. The yellow chosen reflects a dying sun, like the dimming light of Jamaica’s culture. A corrupted central figure sits with eyes glowing with greed. The money floats but is discoloured by blood. Residents’ access to the beach is restricted, as it has been sold to private entities. While the law enforcement has also been corrupted and are more interested in profit than protecting.
Escaping The Arrows Into A Warmer World '25 ---- This is a digital painting which aims to represent escaping oppressive forces and the hope of a better, more sustainable world. It features a trans figure in the centre, and on the right are arrows that are taking aim at the figure. However, the figure is heading towards the left, where there are colourful flowers, butterflies, and a space place for the figure to exist, away from the world of arrows. The depiction of the two different worlds represents the state of the world now versus the figure’s hopes.
Tyrone Mckie (b. 1997), is a multidisciplinary artist, who lives and works in St. Mary, Jamaica. In their practice, they work across various mediums; painting, collage, photography, sculpture and video. Their work explores themes of identity, their own varying emotions and their relationship with nature, and the world at large. Their practice exists as a journey of self-discovery, an avenue for self-expression, as well as a way of navigating their relationship with the world. They have shown work in the group exhibition “RE/IMAGINE: Liberating Queer Futures”. Their work has also been published in The Mango Seed Collective, The Headlight Review, DO KRE IS, among others.
Kreig Raymond Ceymore Thompson (He/Him)
"These are the days of Elijah” 25 is a social commentary piece which addresses surface level, and layers of current and past events. And how they all are connected, perpetuating the negative or positive of the wellbeing of mankind. Bringing awareness to these events is an act of liberating the culture of the everyday person, bringing them into the consciousness of the present.
“Liberation of Culture” '25 is a piece specifically painted to complement the theme. Inspired by the Crop Over Culture of Barbados, its origins and its present day impact. Two sides of a spectrum where origins were based in oppression, present day is based in expression, truly liberating the culture and wellbeing’s of those who engage.
“Make a joyful noise” '25 is a piece which shows red figures performing a ceremony in the forest, bringing light to past and present spiritual practices, and their significance in community building. The freedom to express one’s spiritual views is to engage with the liberation of culture, and what it represents spiritually.
Kreig Raymond Ceymore Thompson (aka Purewatuh) is a multi-medium artiste who transmutes his emotions through creative processes. Taking on the journey of painting in March 2025, he intends to continue to engage with this medium, in an effort to continue to add creative substance to his human experience.
Kadijah Taylor (She/Her)
Saint Saturn; 27 Club 2025 --- Saturn return on an island that feels like that feels like purgatory and corporate without access to millions
The alchemist 2023 --- Alchemize your pain if not you may die
Ether drift theory --- We exist in many realities at once
My name is Khadija Taylor (aka Kadijeus), my art is a story of solitude and self obsession, though at the beginning of my art career it started as an attempt to understand spirituality and metaphysics after such a broad exploration of the topic I’ve landed on ontology ever since. Constant rumination and introspection of myself has led me to paint my inner worlds, the constant need to understand my quantum world and how that coexists with the culture and this island I’m from. The need for fantasy as escapism and the paranoia of being raised with dual Christian denominations. I’m painting as someone raised by Rastafarianism on my fathers side of the family and Jehovah Witnesses on my mothers side, this being a part of my cornerstone and being raised by American television as a neglected only child has shaped my art identity of an evangelist tropical alien.
Russell Scott (He/Him)
Planet Of Two ---- This painting to me reflects the love between two souls, one being in total love and acceptance of the lover. This is represented by the two colors being next to each other (orange/teal). While the other lover seems hesitant to fully accept the other, the grey space between the two invokes this. They seem to share this world but in two separate spaces.
Super Powers ---- Superpowers bursts with bold color and abstract energy, featuring two dynamic figures in red and blue. Their upward movement symbolizes strength, unity, and empowerment, set against a vibrant geometric backdrop. The piece celebrates the unstoppable force of human spirit and the vibrant pulse of cultural expression.
Russell (aka. Modest Art 88) is a self-taught urban contemporary artist and dancer who channels music and emotion into vibrant acrylic works on canvas. His passion for the arts began in childhood and continues to fuel his daily life, blending color, abstraction, and movement into a unique crossover of art and dance. Though he holds a BA in Sociology & Education, a master’s in Arts Administration & Dance Performance, and trained at The Alvin Ailey School, Russell didn’t start painting until 2012, creating gifts for loved ones. His work resonates with diverse audiences, reflecting both joy and depth. In 2015, he founded the Creative Genius Academy, a mobile arts program bringing performing and visual arts to disadvantaged youth.Russell’s mission is to inspire others to pursue their dreams in fine arts, creating opportunities where few exist, and using his creativity, determination, and joyful spirit to make a lasting difference in overlooked communities.
We Asked Our Artists: How does your work connect to the theme of “Liberation of Culture”?
My work connects to "Liberation of Culture" in that it unveils the many different aspects of divine feminine expression that I feel were suppressed over generations as a result of the captivity. I think many of us can agree that the Caribbean maternal figures in our lives battle with stillness, as if endless service is their only lot in life. The pieces that are featured display unapologetic feminine archetypes within our Caribbean milieu. Whether it is her will to rest, self-liberate, dream, explore or to simply preserve her cultural and native spiritual lineage- I give her the space to do that on canvas. I think it is important that we celebrate dimensions of feminine joy, grace, and native cultural identity because she is the central pillar of culture, and she requires flow. We live in a world that demands women grow tough skin to assimilate, so I strive to counteract that with these framed portals of revolution and identity reclamation.
- Nathalie Etienne
My piece pays homage to the black panther party, a group who fought for the liberation of oppressed people everywhere.
- Barrington Brissett
My work connects to this theme because I always attempt to show where I’m from and very niche cultural themes; because it’s where I take inspiration from while looking inward on the psychology of my surroundings and how it affects me as an individual. I believe that my ancestors have fought for me to be able to express myself in unique ways and tell my own story, before we were victims of colonialism and slavery we were individuals with our own dreams and creativity. It is liberating knowing that I can just exist and create art because at one point my ancestors had to survive or die; so I do this for them and let them speak through me through the earth and art.
- Kadijah Taylor
My work aligns with theme liberation of culture because the way I paint — drawing from personal pain, resilience, and curiosity — is an act of reclaiming and reshaping narrative.
- Matthew Francis
Jomani Danielle (b.1997) Is a vibrant young artist and curator born and raised in the borough of Brooklyn. With a tenacious spirit she attacks everything she does with passion and optimism. Sometimes these attacks can be defective due to her aim constantly thrown off, distracted by alluring sidequests.The city of New York boasts many temptations, that of which she is aware- but growing in a sheltered home life kept her from tasting it’s spoils until the fresh age of 22. Now at the maturing age of 27, she looks back on the past five years of self liberation in her solo exhibition- “I Just Have A Lot Going On Right Now.” From her creative process in studio- she is often blasting music to inspire her work (synesthesia plays a large role in her art making) to her curatorial projects and exhibitions that have spanned from Manhattan through Brooklyn. She is a force. But what makes one a force, when they are often forcing their own desires down for the acceptance and palatability of others?"
- Jomani Danielle
My pieces connect to the theme by my participation, and the themes addressed in each painting.
1. “These are the days of Elijah” is a social commentary piece which addresses surface level, and layers of current and past events. And how they all are connected, perpetuating the negative or positive of the wellbeing of mankind. Bringing awareness to these events is an act of liberating the culture of the everyday person, bringing them into the consciousness of the present.
2. “Make a joyful noise” is a piece which shows red figures performing a ceremony in the forest, bringing light to past and present spiritual practices, and their significance in community building. The freedom to express one’s spiritual views is to engage with the liberation of culture, and what it represents spiritually.
3. “Liberation of Culture” is a piece specifically painted to complement the theme. Inspired by the Crop Over Culture of Barbados, its origins and its present day impact. Two sides of a spectrum where origins were based in oppression, present day is based in expression, truly liberating the culture and wellbeing’s of those who engage.
- Kreig Thompson
My work embodies the “Liberation of Culture” by using art and dance to celebrate identity, reclaim narratives, and break free from limiting traditions. As a self-taught urban contemporary artist and dancer, I merge vibrant acrylics, abstract concepts, and movement to create pieces that radiate freedom, resilience, and joy. For me, liberation means unapologetic expression—honoring heritage and life experience while challenging the constraints imposed by societal norms. Each work is both preservation and reinvention, capturing the spirit of where we’ve come from and the vision of where we can go. Through my Creative Genius Academy, I extend this mission to underserved communities, offering youth access to visual and performing arts. I aim to inspire them to see their culture as a source of pride and possibility, nurturing voices that might otherwise go unheard.
- Russell Scott
My work right now is really focused on the (im)migrant experience, not only as the idea of moving from one geographical location to the next but one that also explores the idea of a migration away from a state of being that no longer serves you. In that way my work looks at the freedom, transformation and growth one experiences during their journey of becoming. Having recently moved to New York, I've constantly been trying to redefine my sense of "home" and with that I have found both myself and my practice return to what I know, my work is grounded in my culture as a Caribbean artist, and in turn my culture is grounded in the attainment of liberation itself.
- Kriston Banfield
The theme "Liberation of Culture" for me, means the freedom for one's culture to be and evolve on its own without any oppression or coercion, a true freedom to be and exist. This theme is embedded in my work, as I make conscious efforts to connect with my subconscious and to create from a place of feeling safe to explore myself. In this way, the act of art making becomes an act of healing and reclamation as I connect and reconnect with myself.
- Tyrone Mckie