Constructing Eternity

‘Constructing Eternity’ presents the first proper portrait of Eternity, my visual universe, as its own stand-alone reality.

I think a lot about what is and how that informs what could be. In moments of uncertainty and distress, I find myself looking back at my dreams and imagining the stories I’d like to see. Dwelling in the present leaves very little to the imagination so I give myself something to look forward to by visualizing acts of love, freedom, existence & joy. Although the work I’m trying to create involves real, human stories, I also enjoy the occasional fictional idea that transports us to a different reality. Both pathways intersect in my visual universe, Eternity, where hope & trust in Black imagination remains the sole foundation.

My first monograph, Friends in Eternity, was the beginning of realizing my vision, specifically relating to Black life on the continent and across the diaspora. I focused my work on visions of Black life that expand on who we already are, nuances and all, and asked my viewers to question just how far we are from living in Eternity and attaining eternal love and peace. In making the book, I positioned my friends and loved ones against backdrops that I felt represented my vision of Eternity. In this way, I was building my own personal archive of visual and narrative references.

Following Friends in Eternity, ‘Constructing Eternity’ visualizes the first proper portrait of Eternity as its own stand-alone reality. With the introduction of new regions and the development of existing ones, viewers are able to see a first glimpse of this world-building attempt through portraits of its inhabitants in the spaces they occupy.

Dreaming, is a small beach town off the coast and the first point of contact for outworlders venturing into Eternity. Luna Mira, the land of the wonderful moon—carries a spiritual presence where land, light and water intersect. Angelus, the capital city of Eternity and origin of the main body of fertile water, maternal in its essence. And Santa Daeze, mountainous, characterized by inconsistent but unique architecture and favoured by its mostly queer population. All citizens of Eternity move freely throughout its territories, but there is emphasis in finding community and thriving in functionality.

For reference, consider the file 'Map of Eternity'.