These artworks respond to the layered and imagined history of Spike Island from the 1780s onwards, exploring themes of arrival, loss, confinement, and communication across time. Developed in collaboration with the Spike Island curator, the project drew on stories, historical accounts, and imagery from the island’s collection, providing a rich foundation for reflection and creative interpretation.
Structured as a visual narrative, the three paintings trace an emotional and historical journey.
The Arrival captures the first encounter with the island—a crossing marked by uncertainty, transition, and the beginning of imprisonment.
The Funeral forms the emotional centre of the work. Rather than depicting a single death, it represents a collective act of mourning, reflecting on absence, anonymity, and the lasting impact of incarceration across generations.
The Message turns outward, exploring memory, communication, and the desire to be heard beyond the prison walls. It speaks to connection, legacy, and the possibility of hope.