Jelly Mould Pavilion, Folkestone Triennial, 2017

Abstract

Having collected and painted 50 ceramic jelly moulds in order to present as Jelly Mould Pavillions for Liverpool (in 2010) across a number of Museum sites in that city; paying tribute to the Black community, recalling the slave trade and sugar plantations. One of these has now been realised as a full-scale pavilion in Folkestone. It sits looking out to sea on the former ‘Rotunda’ site, which was until recently filled with amusement arcades, a roller coaster and a Lido Pool, the sugar of candy floss and toffee apples recalling childhood summers.
Lubaina Himid’s ‘Jelly Mould Pavilions Project’ fits seamlessly into the wider trajectory of her work, which seeks to commemorate the contribution made by the people of the African Diaspora to the history, culture and rich fabric of Europe and North America. She proposes dialogue, honest conversation, an exchange of memories, as a way to approach the trauma and apparently permanent (ongoing) impact of the historic exploitation. A public pavilion offers the opportunity for conversation and invites contemplation.