For people in the diaspora, fashion and textiles, along with the stories they hold are crucial ways we can remember and document our personal histories and grapple with the many ways we move through the world.

​Using this as her starting point, through creatively documenting a range of diasporic Caribbean garments and textiles, artist Jasmine Karis invites people within the Caribbean diaspora to have a safe space to creatively explore the all encompassing personal and collective histories lived, shared and passed down.

​Expect to playfully experiment with a range of drawing and mark-making exercises using a variety of drawing materials to create explorative artworks on paper and on fabric. Drawing exercises will include; continuous line drawing, collaging, drawing using our non-dominant hand, drawing with our eyes closed, honing in on texture detailing, observational life drawing, and other techniques which can then either be kept as individual artworks or can be compiled together to create our very own personal journal.

​No previous artistic experience is required! Just show up as your authentic self, ready and willing to listen, learn, and share (if comfortable) in a low-pressure, affirming environment.

​What to bring with you

​Jasmine Karis invites attendees to bring or come in wearing their own Caribbean clothing and/or accessories, whether it be it full a full traditional outfit or lowkey repping (e.g jewellery, t-shirt, badge).

​For those that feel comfortable doing so, there will be chance to share personal stories and reflect what garments/accessories means to us.

​Workshop Age Suitability: +13 years

This project has been awarded as part of the Imagine Fund which is a participatory grant making scheme supported by the Barbican Centre and City of London Corporation. 

 Find out more here: 
https://www.barbican.org.uk/take-part/communities-neighbourhoods