Tell us about yourself and your creative background
I’m a Bangladeshi Muslim woman born and raised in Cardiff. I’ve always been creatively inclined, whether writing, drawing or making, it’s been an outlet of mine since I was a child. After completing my BA degree in English, I had started writing and performing poetry, delivering workshops, taking part in research and development projects which led me to develop my visual works . My work is a reflection of the intersections in my identity, opening up discussions on cultural taboos, exploring relationships and reflecting on the self. Most recently I have worked with Wales Millennium Centre as a Creative Associate, which gave me the opportunity to develop my multidisciplinary work. These include digital oil illustration, resin and ceramic sculptures that encapsulate Bangladeshi food culture, traditions, identities, health and the environment whilst exploring the experiences of the Bangladeshi diaspora and reflecting on South Asia's colonial past and the relationships we hold with it today.
How would you describe your work?
Multidisciplinary - a mixture of so many thoughts, memories and concepts. My visual work is mostly bold and colourful on the surface but riddled with deeper underlying truths.
Tell us about your design for this commission
My digital oil paint illustration is a map of Butetown/Tiger Bay depicting significant sights of arts & culture. Having worked in Butetown for many years in various roles I really bonded with the communities and organisations who have been continuous sources of inspiration to me. Butetown is rich in its history, diverse in its communities and vibrant in its art, but these things are often over looked, leaving Butetown constantly being tied to negative narratives. Highlighting spaces in Cardiff Bay that celebrate the arts and communities in Cardiff is something I believe to be incredibly important.
What does Cardiff mean to you?
Cardiff is home. It’s the city that’s seen all the versions of me. It’s held space for me in its nature and rich sense of community.
Jaffrin's poster
