The last of my ancestors
May 2023
In the midst of collaborations with the talented Meera Singh, I found myself ignited by a spark of inspiration. This newfound motivation paved the way for a series that had lingered in the recesses of my creative mind for quite some time. And so, earlier this year, I embarked on a journey that took me to the heart of Trinidad, where I endeavored to unravel the stories of its last surviving elders.
Born just a few years after the curtains had closed on the era of indentureship in Trinidad and Tobago, these elders carried with them memories that spanned across a century. Their timeline of existence was one that had witnessed the turning tides of history and experienced the hands of time weaving intricate patterns. They held a treasure trove of experiences that I was determined to unearth.
My curiosity was simple yet profound: What was life like for them back then? What were their tales of triumphs and tribulations? I yearned to glean insights from the closest sources possible. With bated breath, I posed the question that opened the floodgates of their recollections. The answer, simple yet laden with meaning, reverberated through each conversation: "hard work."
It felt like I was stepping back in time, gathering fragments of a narrative that had the power to transport me to an era I could only envision through the lens of these remarkable individuals. The conversations I shared with them were akin to a bridge connecting generations, a bridge I wished I could have built with my own Nani and Agi.
I captured the essence of a 103-year-old, and in another, the wisdom etched on the face of a 104-year-old. These portraits became more than just images; they were windows into lives that had witnessed the march of progress, the whispers of change, and the echoes of the past.
It was an honor unlike any other to be entrusted with their stories, to become a vessel for their memories. As I delved into their recollections, I couldn't help but be awestruck by the transformative journey that had unfolded over the last century. The monumental shifts that had shaped societies, cultures, and individual lives held me in a state of perpetual wonder.
These stories held a mirror up to my own identity, reflecting the threads of ancestry that intertwined to weave the fabric of who I am today. The more I connected with their past, the more I understood my present. The stories of the elders illuminated the footsteps of my parents and grandparents, casting a light on the paths that had led to my own existence.
As I stand at this crossroads of time and memory, I am reminded that the past is not confined to history books; it is alive in the stories of those who lived it. The portraits I captured remain untouched, unaltered, and authentic representations of lives lived. This series is not a mere collection of photographs; it's a tribute to the resilience, strength, and wisdom of those who came before us.
And so, the journey continues. The project, born from a long-held aspiration, is far from over. With each conversation, each photograph, and each moment of connection, I delve deeper into the rich tapestry of these untold stories. In their narratives, I find my purpose—to honor the past, understand the present, and shape the legacy we leave behind.