This commission will digitally engage with the historical multi-paneled window that once showcased stained glass portraits of prominent female creatives, up until they were removed and replaced in the 1950s. Instead of creating new stained glass panels, the goal is to devise a contemporary digital counterpart that pays homage to the window’s legacy and reflects the current Borough communities. The digital design should possess inherent adaptability, allowing it to evolve over time in sync with the museum’s ongoing initiatives. The artist will collaborate closely with a core group of community representatives (Community Curators) and their extended networks to shape the commission, drawing inspiration from heritage concepts and community input.
About the Artist
Kyam is a digital illustrator, with a particular interest in the role of story on identity. Kyam’s practice draws on oral history research, community conversation and creative storytelling to create bold and colourful digital artwork. Kyam explores themes such as culture and belonging to build a greater understanding of the heritage and oftentimes forgotten history of people and places, with a particular focus on QTIPOC communities.
She is the founder of Deep&Flow – a community conversation using guided drawing exercises to promote QTIPOC and POC discussion and healing. With a background in graphic design for arts charities, Kyam has designed for organisations such as The Southbank Centre, Refugee Week, Brass Bands England, Shoreditch Town Hall and Talawa Theatre Company.
She was a recent trustee for The Museum of Ordinary People and Digital Creator for performance charity Clod Ensemble. Kyam’s lead artist exhibitions include the National Portrait Gallery and Museum of Croydon’s ‘Citizen UK: Caribbean Influencers’ and King College London’s ‘Illuminating The Brain’ at the Science Gallery London.
Kyam is now the Digital Artist for Touchstones Rochdale’s ‘The Dining Room’ project, opening in 2025.
Kyam says “I am really excited to be working with Touchstones Rochdale, exploring and celebrating Rochdale’s fantastic food history and culture through digital art. Can’t wait to get started!”
See Kyam’s previous work below.
‘Grace’ (2020)
‘Blue and Bantu’ (2021)
‘Duke’ (2023)
‘Marcus’ (2023)
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