National Museum Wales Thomas Pickton exhibition opens in Cardiff

It’s no secret that colonialism has been concealed, if not celebrated, throughout history. From the teaching of the British Empire in school to the statues on our streets, brutal figures have been painted as hero’s to us Brits. Notably, Thomas Picton, largely respected for his serving in the British Military. Using this example, Amgueddfa Cymru and the Sub-Sahara Advisory Panel (along with many other contributors) rigorously explore both sides to Picton’s legacy and how it has affected the masses. The ‘Reframing Picton’ exhibition takes you on a journey of sound and sight; splitting the demonstration into 3 sections, all connected but conveying their own messages.

My visit to the National Museum Wales

Beginning with Laku Neg’s installation; you are instantly met with a soundscape combining various African-Caribbean rhythms and voice (explained to be the testimony of Luisa Calderon). Immersed in the music, you are encountered with beautiful, tall sculptures and artwork. The sculptures use weavings of newspaper and are scattered with key phrases from the narrative. The installation tells the stories of Luisa and Patient, who were both victims of Picton’s regime. Alongside the artwork, video helps understand the complexity and the suppression of these stories. You see and hear chains on-top of the soundscape, further creating that ominous atmosphere.

Next, you are journeyed into a dark room lit only by projection. Gesiye transforms the atmosphere into one of healing and liberation through their use of composition. ‘The wound is a Portal’ offers a tranquil approach to addressing the generational trauma passed on to Trinidadians as a result of Picton’s regime. This exhibition invited eight people of the Afro-diaspora to reclaim and re-connect with themselves and their land. On entering, on the opposite side of the room a video is playing, almost offering a soundscape. Poetry, music, and speech layered with ethereal video (of the eight participants) express the delicate nature of Gesiye’s work. In conjunction with tattoos and other traditional healing modalities, these Trinidadians are allowed the space to have conversations in order to connect and alleviate. Plastered on the wall, there are pictures of the tattoos.