“We Stand Tall”
An original large-scale, mixed-media artwork by Jamaica-based artist Tukula Ntama is the highlight of the Society of Clotilda’s recent website redesign. The redesign was curated and produced by Rooted Sister, a women-led, equity-centred, global media cooperative.
Artist Statement by Tukula Ntama:
This piece was commissioned by Rooted Sister for Society of Clotilda’s website update. The piece is inspired by the history of the Clotilda, the last ship to carry enslaved Africans to America. It is created to illustrate our link to our historical past showing the similarities and joy of contemporary and historical practices of resiliency and resourcefulness.
The survivors of the Clotilda were removed from their homeland after slave trading was made illegal. They were soon emancipated following the emancipation act of 1834. They came together to build a free community called Africatown or Plateau, Alabama, and continued to practice west African traditions and their history. They resisted downpression. Their collective history and practices created a strong community. They prospered with farming, and grew strong. They passed the knowledge of their ancestry.
We Stand Tall commemorates the resilience of these survivors and other enslaved Africans who showed the way forward while remembering the history and customs of our ancestors. It illustrates the strength of black women, our connection to the earth, wherever we are. The piece is full of Black Women, or are they angels? Whispering the strength of our common ancestral knowledge, our current situations, and the foundation of more strength in our children.
I painted plants that were native to Alabama, goldenrod and iris, plus cultivated food, instead of cotton, as there is joy in a closeness with the land. These plants talk about encouragement, wisdom, hope, joy and growth.
Butterflies and dragonflies grace the piece, symbolizing the time to make right decisions, regeneration, adaptability, transformation, and a connection to nature.
I depicted quilters and quilts, a universal practice of resourcefulness, turning something old into something new. The quilt depicted in the piece was created by Harriet Powers, born enslaved in Maryland. I am a textile artist; hand work is close to my heart. Hand sewing is a calming, humble practice that can hold history in the mere fabric used, and create something, fabulous and new. There are many textures, found objects and fabrics added to the piece.
Shout Outs
The website redesign project, and the commissioning of Ntama’s “We Stand Tall” piece, was led by Rooted Sister Founder, Danielle Hoogenboom, who is based in Vancouver, Canada. Jamaican, Kingston-based Photographer Niesha Brown, a member of the Rooted Sister collective, is responsible for the beautiful images documenting the work throughout the website. Rooted Sister’s Dia Penning, working from Oakland, California, provided copywriting and editing services for the website redesign. The project was produced online by Rooted Sister Interaction Designer, Jesi Carson, who is located in Vancouver, Canada as well. The Society of Clotilda team participated in visioning and design sessions, and were integral to the project as well.