Proverbs of the Windrush Child

Proverbs of the Windrush Child, is an artistic depiction of four people who left the Caribbean as children as part of the Windrush generation. In each portrait, the sitters shares their reflections on the impact the move to the U.K. had on their life.  The common threads in their stories are the loss of the nature and community abundant in their childhoods and the shock of post-war Britain and their resilience.

Created by Yvadney Davis, a London-based portrait artist, Davis roots these portraits in the symbolism in the subjects’ stories. The original prints were done on linen canvases, reminiscent of the crocus bags traditionally used throughout the islands for storage; the sitters memories flow around their heads as they retell their stories; and the vintage mid-century wallpaper iconically used in Windrush homes forms the foundation to each painting with patterns reminiscent of the rich Caribbean nature they left behind - the sea, bush, sun and fauna.


Visit the exhibition

Location: Black Cultural Archives, 1 Windrush Square, Brixton SW2 1EF

Dates: 10 August - 10 September 2023

Times: Thursdays - Saturdays: 10:00–18:00, Sundays: 12:00 –17:00

Entry: Free

Join the conversation: #Windrush75



Yvadney Davis

Yvadney Davis is a London-based portrait artist championing her British Caribbean heritage. Self-taught, her award-winning art practice connects the nostalgia and joy of the Windrush Generation with its descendants with exhibitions, media and collaborations including ING Discerning Eye, M&C Saatchi and Evening Standard. 

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Brilliant Black British History

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The Ascension Years