Alanis Forde

Alanis Forde, a contemporary Barbadian artist, is a master of expressionistic realism portraiture, specializing in oil paint and collage. Holding a Bachelor's Degree in Studio Art from the Barbados Community College, she has marked her presence in numerous group exhibitions across diverse locations like NYC, Vermont, LA, St. Croix, and Barbados.

Forde recently completed her second residency at the Chautauqua Institution Visual Arts Program in New York, gaining recognition in publications like Sugarcane Magazine and local news sources. Throughout her artistic journey, Forde's focus has centered on exploring the black female identity within an idealized, exotic, paradisiacal Caribbean backdrop.

In her artist statement, Forde delves into the theme of escapism, questioning what it means to live in a paradise that others view as a vacation or escape. Her creations represent a search for her own concept of paradise, introducing a unique perspective. The core of her work revolves around the push and pull between comfort in her homeland and the desire to escape, capturing the internal conflict within.

Forde's introspective paintings engage in a continuous dialogue between figures and the paradisiacal landscapes they inhabit. Unrefined brushstrokes, dotted textures, patterns, and vibrant colors transport the viewer into a paradisiacal dystopia. The recurring figure in her work, the proxy named "Bubbles," with electric blue hair and red lips, navigates these landscapes, documenting the essence of being both trapped and free in paradise. Forde's art is a captivating exploration of identity, escapism, and the complex dynamics of paradise.