Ifetayo (Ife) Alabi

WHAT WAS LOST AT SEA

Installation work using collage and sculptural elements. Research materials and imported goods are reused in the work to discuss colonialism and the wider effects of trade, on Black and diasporic communities along with ocean life.

“Ifetayo’s thesis work focuses on the TransAtlantic slave trade and its lasting effects on Black communities and marine life, particularly whales and seals. They were inspired by Alexis Pauline Gumbs' text Undrowned, which connects Black femininity and marine life. Through their research and studying of Undrowned, they learned that whales and seals were used for their blubber to fuel and speed-up the processing of sugarcane, cotton, and other mass traded goods during the height of the slave trade. There is a clear connection made that Black bodies like those of whales and seals were used for profit. The parallel between the horrifying process of extraction and slavery is a frightening and painful part of our history that we cannot ignore. ”