Jelani and Keni in the Pool Print

Jay Golding’s mixed-media portrait and figurative paintings explore the relationship between his Caribbean heritage and the African influence in his personal life. Exploring themes related to ancient mythology and migration — Golding’s work ranges from depictions of masked figures to friends and relatives — placed in either natural settings or against flat backgrounds. Typically employing the use of a vibrant color palette, Golding occasionally incorporates textures caused by the use of paint mediums and recycled materials such as paper towels and other found elements. The Ghanaian-inspired pseudonym Kwame frequently appears in signage on Jay’s work, signifying the connection he feels to his tribal roots.