Title: Yellow Tibetan Spraycan
Year: 2021
Size: 20 x 25cm
Technique: Acrylic on canvas

My Tribe All spraycan paintings draw on inspiration from all corners of the world,
fusing together different cultures along with contemporary everyday life such as the
spray can. Tribe All, as in we are all one!
This painting is inspired by the Boruca tribe of Southern Pacific Costa Rica. The
history and traditions of Boruca masks began over 500 years ago, during the
Spanish Conquest. ‘Diablito’ or little devil masks were created and worn with the
intent to scare the unwelcome invaders back to Spain. The pride of their artwork
comes alive through brightly coloured masks during the festival of Dance of the
Devils or Game of the Little Devils hosted by the Boruca people. Although this
representation and festival are that of elaborate costumes, folklore, and ritual dances
it tells a tale of their past and struggle. It is also a celebration of their resistance to
capture and attempted removal of their identity and tradition.
The Boruca’s believe that the spirit animals of the jungle help them resist the
conquistadors, so their elaborate masks are designed to represent those fierce
animals and also local flora and fauna of their country. Boruca demonstrate that a
tribe cannot be defeated if its culture is alive today. Boruca is very much alive and
fighting to preserve it’s identity.
My intention within these paintings is to make an almost physical attack on its
viewer, primitive tightly packed compositions to form a mixing of styles and artistic
currents that refer to distant and different cultures, fusing these together on the
canvas. Referencing my own background and fusing my signature style with the
cultural inspiration. Tribe All represents a sense of togetherness. Tribe All – together
we are one!