Artist’s statement
My work is concerned with ideas of community and belonging, often referencing the process of journey, healing and transformation that one undergoes trying to define self. Strongly inspired by Trinidad and Tobago’s affinity for narration, my paintings utilizes new interpretations of myth and elements of religion and spirituality to engage how notions of social and economic disparities within a Caribbean context directly police the human experience; more so one’s availability to dignity, opportunity and power and how these needs can cause questions of the integrity of the connections that exists between each other and the land. My sculptural work, through its use of found objects and Caribbean architectural vernacular offer narratives into conflict, and the fragility of the sense of safety that protects our adhok systems.
Kriston Banfield is a self taught artist from the twin island of Trinidad and Tobago, 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, the 19th Asian Biennale 2023 as well as he is a member of the LMCC Artist’s residency cohort of 2022.
