Marooned in Jamiacan culture

9:31am Wednesday 27th February 2008

A DISPLAY of stunning photographs of the self-governing Maroon community in Jamaica is now on show at Museum in Docklands until August 31 as part of the acclaimed London, Sugar & Slavery gallery's rolling community exhibition space.

The display of over 50 photographs in a montage and a short film draws attention to the forgotten story of the Maroons who refused to be enslaved, survived in remote parts of the Caribbean islands and helped destabilise the plantation system. Even today they live in close communities independent from the government.

The project is the brainchild of hip hop photographer, Jennie Baptiste, who guided a group of six young Londoners who call themselves the Linx, teaching them research, communications and photography skills. The group of 14 to 19 year olds then researched the history of African resistance to slavery and visited the Maroons in the town of Accompong in the Jamaican mountains to take the photographs.

Linx member and 19 year old art student, Asia Bharj, said: "Never in my life did I think I would be part of this amazing project, being with the Linx I overcame personal challenges which allowed me to grow mentally and to become a better person."

Museum in Docklands is at West India Quay, Canary Wharf, London E14 4AL. Tel: 0870 444 3850.

Editor's choice