The Archivist

Photography on paper.

24x36"

Limited edition 1 of 5.

I travelled to Trinidad and Tobago to document the celebration of Carnival. While immersed in this experience, I reflected on the many characters that bring carnival to life. Among these, one of the most vital yet often overlooked roles is the photographer—the unseen archivist whose job is to capture the essence of carnival for future generations to look back on and understand its cultural significance. Inspired by this idea, I created The Archivist, a performative photographer character dedicated to documenting and preserving the traditions of carnival.

Archiving carnival is an act of preservation, resistance, and education, especially for someone like me, living in Canada, where these traditions are not widely understood or celebrated. Carnival in the Caribbeans is far more than a festival, it is a living archive of resilience, community, and cultural pride, born out of resistance to colonial oppression. Through my character The Archivist and my documentation, I aim to create a bridge between generations and geographies, ensuring that these stories, characters, and rituals are not lost.
(Canson infinity rag photographique 310)