In mid 2009 I began a project of ambition, identifying with AFROFUTURISM in parallel to understanding Ancient mythological symbols that prevail in modern society.

PEACOCK FEATHERS were my initial obsession and as the project gathered momentum I realised I was going to have to photograph the birds themselves otherwise I was not going to be fulfilling the potential of the work.

It took me two years to prepare for photographing the birds due to the seasonal renewal of their feathers, and organising for a massive black backdrop to be couriered to their location 3 months in advance. I was informed the peacocks would need time to be accustomed to the backdrop well in advance of the shoot.

White Peacocks are not Albino. They simply do not have the transparent layer of prisims

White Peacock’s originate from India and are revered -

The soul self reveals itself, having been on the spiritual path full of trials and tests which presents the biggest test of all, the test of faith. One cannot know the depth of their own faith until that faith has been tested". The White Peacock symbolizes the Divine self realized, purified and cleansed the illuminated soul self is seen, as if witnessing itself being born again the Divine self is resurrected from the fire of fear and the shadows of doubt. White Peacock is aligned to the higher consciousness, and the greatest most benevolent outcomes.

A portrait of Loraine Pascale from the chapter ‘Salvation’ - in my forthcoming bookPlease click here to see the 20 x 30 inch White Peacock print available for purchase — A portrait of Loraine Pascale from the chapter ‘Salvation’ - in my forthcoming book
Please click here to see the 20 x 30 inch White Peacock print available for purchase

Recently I was approached with the most amazing request from a Chef - Ronke Arogundade who was opening a cafe in Brighton 'Dough Lover' which she described as a Cafe from the Future.

After a very short time during our first initial conversation it was apparent that Ronke was a visionary and she had debilitated as to what she wanted her Cafe to say in terms of philosophy and human expression.

She had carefully directed the textiles and fittings and now it was time for visuals. Her instinct had answered to have images of the Sun Ra Arkestra and she found me on the web. From our conversation I created a layout from her wall dimensions and things evolved quickly from there.

Portrait of Atakatune - Sun Ra Arkestra photographed in 2013 at The Barbican in an Oak Box Frame with an Ivorine Title Plaque

Marshall Allen - Sun Ra Arkestra photographed in 2013 at the Barbican Centre

We had a lot to say to each other and the White Peacock image became an addition due to the significance of the symbolic meaning of White Peacocks - of enlightenment,and incorruptibility . When I suggested to image transfer a motif of the birds feathers onto the frame we both knew it had to be done.

'Knowledge Without Love is Lifeless' 50 inches by 60 inches Giclee in an Image Transfer Box with an Ivorine Title Plaque

James Stewart & Cecil Brooks - Sun Ra Arkestra photographed at Islington Town Hall 2015

Developing the Installation further Ronke discussed her other musical influences and instead of just petering out with the same material we wanted to create a 'snug' feel to the room as the viewer travelled through. Two names came up. That of Gil Scott Heron and Mark E Smith.

For the smallest panel of the Installation Two Contact Sheets were printed with Lyrics to significant songs by the Artists. These being 'Hexen Definitive'

Gil Scott Heron with Lyrics to 'B' Movie

Ronke also wanted to have reference to her childhood in West London included and so the next panel became an overview of my Notting Hill Carnival work.

7x Black Box Frames w/ Giclee prints and Ivorine Title Plaques

The final panel has direct reference to Brighton itself and one of it's most famous residents Nick Cave. Ronke had met Nick on several occasions and my portraits of Nick and Kylie and an additional Studio session I shot with Nick were comissioned for the wall.

This became the most technically intricate installation work I had ever attempted.