Hilbre Island - A portal to the past - The Islands Beneath Our Skin - Project Unveiled.

Cultural identity is made up of vibrant pieces from history, personal experiences, DNA and shared connections. “The Islands Beneath Our Skin” is a research project that dives into these complexities, exploring both the beauty and the struggles of Black British and Afro-Caribbean identity through live art. This project in unveiled on Hilbre Island, a site steeped in history of pilgrimage, retreat and reflection. The artist was invited on residency with @m.othercollective as part of their project Mother Wild, launched as part @indybiennial, at the thoughtful invitation of BADA for their new arts and ecology research centre The CASS - The Centre For Art, Science and Sustainability.

With deep gratitude, this work provides a chance to look back not only at the artist’s personal heritage but also at the collective experiences of other Black British and Afro-Caribbean artists, providing a creative forum to explore connection to land, art practice and ancestors whose voices resonate beneath the surface of our identities.

The Symbolism of Colour

The Islands Beneath Our Skin has begun as a series of meditative live art happenings, Pilgrimages to Hilbre Island, Flag Bearing, ritual building, deep thinking, drawing and creative writing and research and live art to honour the 60230 captive souls documented to have arrived at 1st Port in Dominica from Liverpool Slave Ships (source slavevoyages.org ).

Central to the Summer Solstice live art happening was a borrowed cloak an artifact from Artist Luciana Hermida exhibition Reimagining Hilbre that was open in The Buoymasters Workshop on Hilbre at that time. It's stunning hues of sandstone and orange-gold bronze became more than a costume; it resonated as a powerful ritualistic symbol representing self-exploration whilst honouring one’s ancestors.

For instance, the red gold tone of the cloak paid tribute to the artist’s birth mother, . In addition to honouring her, the colours represented a blend of diverse lineages, stretching from the rugged Highlands of Scotland to the lush volcanoes and the flag represented the lush rainforests of 'Waitukubili' (Tall is her Body) the indigenous Kalinago name for Dominica.

Artist, Emma Thackham kneels on Hilbre Island whilst raising The Flag of Dominica to Honour Ancestors inside Dominic Wilkinsons 'Hilbre Land Art I' wearing a borrowed art gown from Luciana Hermida's Reimagining Ecosystems exhibition. Photo Credit: Terry Duffy

This symbolism reveals complex layers tied to identity. The artist reclaims fragmented aspects of their self through both colour, fabric and ritual. Wearing this ritualistic orange-gold skin allowed her to embody a meditative state, summoning exploration into the deep layers of Black Afro-Caribbean Britishness, colonial histories, and the emotional space of identity displacement through adoption.

The Sacred Circle: A Space for Reflection

In this artistic endeavour, the Sacred Circle, 'Hilbre Land Art 'created by Dominic Wilkinson on Hilbre Island holds significant meaning. It is a space where personal history and collective memory blend, especially around the summer solstice. Here, a safe environment is crafted for contemplation.

Standing in this protective circle offers a reflective space where artist or viewer can connect with feelings of Hiraeth—the deep longing for a place or time that seems lost. This meditative space encourages the artist to look inward, tapping into fragmented memories and recognising and honouring where two ancestral lines come together.

Each moment spent in this circle serves as a meditation on what it means to bear the weight of one's heritage and the current impacts of colonialism while seeking to understand its role in today’s world and current political schemes of genocide and atrocities.

Interconnectedness of Ancestry

Artist Luciana Hermida designates Hilbre not only as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) but also as a Site of Special Human Interconnectedness (SSHI). This designation expands on the idea of connection, linking the natural world with the cultural and personal aspects of life—binding artists, ancestors, and the locations that house their untold stories.

The growing relationship between Hermida and the artist, along with fellow creators, involved in Drawing Out Hilbre leads to richer spiritual connections. These interconnections allow exploration of shared histories and legacies, fostering dialogue about different identities and experiences.

On Hilbre Island, these interwoven narratives emerge to enhance our understanding of who we are as individuals shaped by complex histories. Notably, research shows that personal connections to our ancestral roots can increase a sense of belonging and well-being by up to 40%.

A Journey of Reclamation

“The Islands Beneath Our Skin” represents a journey of reclamation and rediscovery. It celebrates the path toward embracing one's identity while honoring the voices that have shaped it. Through performance art, creative forums between Black British and Caribbean and African Artists the project encourages both participants and spectators to engage in meaningful dialogues about identity and belonging.

In the realm of performance, wearing the cloak symbolizes the bridge between past and present. It captures the essence of reclaiming lost narratives and threading together diverse parts of identity. This captivating journey invites everyone involved to participate in a shared experience of growth and understanding.

An Invitation to Reflect

The unveiling of ”The Islands Beneath Our Skin” on Hilbre Island invites each of us to connect with our heritage and explore the layers that shape our identities. This journey goes beyond the performative aspect, compelling participants to reflect on their own ancestral ties.

As we look deeper into our interconnected identities - recognising and honouring those who came before us and the Colonial influences that have shaped our realities, woven into our DNA with the strength of tides - we are invited to consider the role of cultural identity in our lives today.

The sacred connections forged through this art form remind us that we are all threads in a larger tapestry, influencing how we view ourselves and how we relate to each other.

View of the artist Emma Thackham on Hilbre Island, raising the Flag of Dominica to honour ancestors who may have left Liverpool in Slave Ships illustrating the beauty and natural significance of the site. Photo Credit Lucy Elizabeth Jones

The artist's hope is that this project and your own personal journey, will inspire you to courageously explore the islands beneath your own skin and create a platform for creative dialogues that strengthens human connections across time and space here on Hilbre and in wider British and Caribbean territories too.

Acknowledgements to (M)other Collective, Terry Duffy Lead Artist for Drawing Out Hilbre, Liverpool Independents Biennial, BADA arts and The CASS, Lucy