Aunty Faye

‘Visible We’ is a work centred around the unpaid labour of Caribbean women. Unpaid labour aka “women’s work” is work that is essential for societies to function but is not valued economically. Examples of unpaid labour are: domestic chores, caregiving, and volunteer social work. Demands of unpaid labour make it harder for women to enter the workforce and procure higher paying jobs, thus reducing their job security, affecting multiple generations of women, creating a vicious cycle. And yet women’s contributions provide the economic support necessary for their families to survive.

In acknowledging the historical and intersectional systems of oppression that challenge black, Caribbean women’s everyday survival, this work offers the chance for these women to be perceived not as ‘strong and hardworking’, but as versions of themselves who transcends historical events and societal expectations. Depicting three women in Suelae’s life, namely her mother and two of her ‘aunties’, she commemorates their individual contributions to their families and communities.

Referencing visuals from Yoruba Goddesses these portraits depict the women seated in their own homes, exuding sentiments of being healed, rested and soft, challenging the dominating perception of being in the background, overworked and underpaid. In this textile re-imagining, they are centre stage and regal. Collaging bright textiles and african prints, Suelae hopes to shift the perception of black Caribbean women and create a vision for the future where women are recognised not for all that they can give but all that they are.