Ronnie Carrington Barbadian Folkways: they who sowed
Ronnie Carrington is a Barbadian photographer dedicated to sharing the teachings embedded in witnessing the folkways of Barbadian life—stories otherwise rarely preserved in official archives. As a historian, researcher, and custodian, his work serves both as preservation and a poetic reflection of the curiosity, yearning, and reverence for a homeland that anchors those living in connection with the surroundings. In his first solo exhibition in Canada, Carrington’s photographs bear the kinship and shared familiarity that stem from the landscapes and communities that nurture a sense of belonging.
This exhibition features Ronnie Carrington’s works from the 1970s and 1980s, offering a window into the visual heritage he has been shaping over the past six decades.
Extended Gallery Hours: 12-8PM on April 24, May 1 & May 2
Presented by BAND in partnership with CONTACT Photography Festival and TO Live.
Curated by Joséphine Denis
Ronnie Carrington, a distinguished Barbadian photographer, has dedicated over six decades to photographing the island's evolving landscapes and cultural heritage through evocative black and white imagery. Trained at New York's Germain School of Photography, he seamlessly blends technical expertise with a profound appreciation for Barbadian life. Beyond his photographic pursuits, Carrington is a committed educator, leading the acclaimed "Barbados PhotoAdventure" tours to impart his knowledge to both locals and visitors. His seminal 2011 book, "Pathways...thoughts on the journey," further cements his legacy as a visual historian of Barbados.
Joséphine Denis, born in Haiti and raised in Port-au-Prince and New York, is a curator and writer. Her work advocates for Black diasporic art and encourages deeper engagement to foster a nuanced understanding of the specific contexts surrounding contemporary practices. Rooted in community dialogue, her work is guided by her kin. She is the Director of Curatorial Initiatives at Black Artists Networks in Dialogue (BAND) Gallery. Denis has worked at The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, Tkaronto, SBC Gallery of Contemporary Art, Tiohtià:ke, Serpentine Galleries, London, and Faurschou Foundation, Beijing.
