TAST: Trans Atlantic Slave Trade
The exhibition "TAST" delves into the enduring impact of the transatlantic slave trade. Using acrylics, found objects, and mixed media on various surfaces, I explore history through the lens of my experiences as an African descendant living in Banyoles. The work weaves together historical elements like key figures, dates, and the roles of nations such as Portugal and Spain in the trade. "TAST" confronts the grim reality of the slave trade and its connections to European and American economic growth, encouraging reflection on its lasting effects and our shared history.
This interview, written in Catalan, was carried out by one of the sponsoring organizations of the exhibit—Friends of the Girona Art Museum. It offers insight into my perspective and process behind The Transatlantic Slave Trade (TAST) exhibit, highlighting the themes, research, and intentions that shaped the project. You can download the full PDF of the interview to read more about the work and its significance.
Read the English version here [link]
DOGON, 122 x 75.5 cm, Mixed Media on wood panel, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
BY DECREE, 122 x 100 cm, Mixed Media on canvas, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
OUIDAH, 182 x 130 cm, Mixed Media on canvas, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
ENGLAND; ABOLITION, 1807, 84 x 61 cm, Mixed Media on fiber panel, Copyright John E Rozelle.
UNTITLED NO 2 (1863), 75 x 61 cm, Mixed Media on canvas, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
UNTITLED NO. 1 (1609), 75 x 61 cm, Mixed Media on canvas, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
TAINO, 60 x 60 cm, Mixed Media on fiber panel, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
CLOTIDA, 60 x 60 cm, Mixed Media on fiber panel, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
FRANCE; ABOLITION, 1848, 84 x 61 cm, Mixed Media on fiber panel, Copyright John E Rozelle.
NATIONS, 122 x 75 cm, Mixed Media on fiber panel, 2023, Copyright John E Rozelle.
OYO, 235 x 115 cm, Mixed Media on canvas, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
BROOKES, 122 x 84 cm, Mixed Media on fiber panel, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
ELMINA, 84 x 61 cm, Mixed Media on fiber panel, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
FIRST VOYAGE, 84 x 61 cm, Mixed Media on fiber panel, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
DENMARK, 80 x 61 cm, Mixed Media on fiber panel, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
CAPE COAST, 84 x 61 cm, Mixed Media on fiber panel, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
KONGO TO BRAZIL, 50 x 122 cm, Mixed Media on wood panel, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
CANE, 60 x 60 cm, Mixed Media on fiber panel, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
GOREE ISLAND, 84 x 61 cm, Mixed Media on fiber panel, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
CRY/MOAN, 122 x 98 cm, Mixed Media on fiber panel, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
CHATTEL, 80 x 61 cm, Mixed Media on fiber panel, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
INDIANOS, 84 x 61 cm, Mixed Media on fiber panel, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
SPAIN, 60 x 60 cm, Mixed Media on fiber panel, 2024, Copyright John E Rozelle.
Banyoles 2023
This work was developed for the exhibition at the Taller Joan de Palau, in the Plaça Major of Banyoles, for the festival of Sant Martirià, October 2023.