As one of the commissioned artists for the charity: water exhibition, Adah had the privilege of reimagining the iconic Jerry Can and transforming it into a truly unique piece of art.
The collaboration has brought together a diverse range of artists, from established figures to emerging talents, each infusing their distinctive vision into this unconventional canvas. It was been an incredible journey, that pushed her past my comfort zones.
charity:water joined forces with The Other Art Fair, which took place from October 12th to 15th, 2023, at the bustling Truman Brewery in the heart of London's East End.
This artwork invites reflection on the profound impact of colonialism and capitalism on climate change, prompting us to recognise the shared responsibility of both our actions and our ancestors' choices in contributing to land desertification. It underscores the urgent role of organisations like charity: water in addressing the pressing need for clean water.
Embracing Nsibidi, an ancient writing system, the featured jerrycan narrates the story of Africa's desertification driven by colonialism, capitalism, and climate change.
The jerrycan's golden camouflage and water drips symbolises the obscured policies that sanctioned resource exploitation, while honouring the profound ancestral bond to water within many Global South communities.
At the core of Adah Parris's body of work lies a profound and contemplative question that serves as both a guiding principle and a source of inspiration: "What type of ancestor do you want to be?" This question transcends the boundaries of any specific project or medium she engages with; it is a constant thread that weaves its way through all her creative endeavours.
Adah Parris hopes artwork remind us of our duty to treasure, protect, and nurture water—the thread connecting our ancestors' aspirations and the essential sustenance for a shared tomorrow.
“Stepping beyond my comfort zone, I explored working with a new artistic medium, blending it with the ancient Nigerian writing form of Nsibidi to document the impact of colonialism, capitalism and climate change on Africa. This process became a form of performance art, exploring limitless potential for change. I chose to collaborate with charity: water because of their commitment to directing 100% of fundraising proceeds to on-the-ground work, fostering transparency and trust—a stark contrast to the policies that have contributed to Africa's desertification, driving the need for charities like charity: water."
- Adah Parris