Kesia Estwick Medium: Acrylic on canvas Dimensions: 48 x 48 inches Year: 2026
Description:
This work serves as an ode to the women who transform carnival into one of the Caribbean’s most captivating visual spectacles. Adorned in meticulously handcrafted costumes and embodying a commanding presence, they emerge as symbols of confidence, resilience, and self-expression. Regal and unapologetic, they occupy the center of the festival’s narrative, celebrating the freedom, creativity, and joy that carnival makes possible.
Yet these expressions of empowerment are often misunderstood by those outside the culture, dismissed as excessive, provocative, or transgressive. This painting seeks to challenge such perceptions by presenting carnival masqueraders through a lens of dignity, agency, and reverence. The dominant use of red evokes both the passion and pride that underpin our carnival traditions, while also reflecting the energy and vitality of the festival itself.
Particular attention was given to the rendering of each gemstone and embellishment, mirroring the dedication of the costume designers and artisans whose labour sustains the culture year after year. Through this careful process, the work pays tribute not only to the women who wear these creations, but also to the craftsmanship, excellence, and cultural legacy that continue to define carnival across the region.
