Ijeoma D. Iheanacho

I Choose to Free Up Series

This triptych explores the choice participants in Carnival make - the choice to embrace the spirit of Carnival. Behind all of the glitter and the feathers are real people choosing to celebrate a tradition as old as freedom. This series explores what it like for these participants to live for that one glorious moment of being free. What is it to live your life for that brief shining moment? What is it to fly halfway around the world to play mas with other masqueraders who have left their ordinary lives to join in this spirit? These people carry this moment with them all year with the burning desire to finally unleash it at Carnival. It’s a glitter that never truly washes off.