” Reparations NOW “: from February 15 to March 1, 2025, Barbados hosts a landmark exhibition entitled “Reparations NOW” at the Queens Park Gallery. Curated by Amma Andrea King, Director of C.A.L.L. Barbados, this event brings together over 50 works by 25 Caribbean artists committed to the crucial theme of historical, cultural and social reparations, through an artistic approach that questions, challenges and inspires.
Art at the heart of a quest for social justice
The ” Reparations NOW ” exhibition aims to raise awareness of the importance of CARICOM ‘s 10-Point Plan for Reparations, and to place visual artists at the center of this essential dialogue. Supported by the Caribbean Culture Fund, it contributes to strengthening the regional creative sector, generating a profound social and cultural impact. “We are delighted to be among the first beneficiaries of this major new initiative, which enables Caribbean creatives to freely express their potential and transform society,” says Amma Andrea King.
Confronting the past to build the future
The works in the “Reparations NOW” exhibition address head-on the painful legacy of slavery and its repercussions today. For AVANNA, a family collective, “reparations are necessary to confront the future catastrophes we are already experiencing”, whether climate change or economic and social crises. The collective’s three works underline the urgent need for restorative justice.
Women and resistance: a powerful vision
Aaron Trotman, through his work “Mawna Pwo” at “Reparations NOW”, challenges viewers to consider the multiple dimensions of female resistance in postcolonial societies. “Reparations are not just financial, they also involve recognizing and restoring the dignity of oppressed communities”, he asserts, reminding us of the importance of protecting and valuing cultural identities.
Identity, memory and reconnection
Cher-Antoinette and Gabrielle Moore, among other artists, explore profound themes of identity and collective memory. Cher-Antoinette, with her work “Tree of Life”, emphasizes the need to reconnect with African roots as a means of collective healing. Gabrielle Moore deconstructs the idyllic image of paradise to reveal the hidden tensions of the colonial past. These artists invite the public to engage in essential introspective reflection.
Art as a tool for transformation and hope
The “reparations NOW” exhibition demonstrates how art transcends the simple act of creation to become a vector for social change. Digital artist Ronald Williams uses powerful historical symbols to question the viewer’s role as hero or villain, depending on the historical perspective adopted. This complex reflection encourages awareness of painful legacies and the reparations needed to move forward.
Discover the artists
The “Reparations NOW” exhibition offers an immersive, powerful and deeply engaging artistic experience. It reminds us that the visual arts can play an essential role in societal debate, not only by documenting and denouncing historical injustices, but also by proposing paths towards recognition, intercultural dialogue and collective healing. It’s a powerful invitation to reinvent a fairer, more conscious future together.
The “Reparations NOW” exhibition is an essential platform for addressing social and historical issues in the Caribbean. By bringing together artists from diverse and talented backgrounds, it highlights the struggle for justice and recognition of past injustices. This event is not simply an artistic presentation, but a profound and necessary reflection on identity, memory and the need for intercultural dialogue. The works on display encourage a collective commitment to a more equitable and conscious future, while honoring the histories and struggles of different Caribbean communities. In short, this exhibition is a powerful call to reflect on our past in order to better build our future together.
