This artwork caught my eye as soon as I started working at The Harris and is still one of my favourites, the vibrant colours give way to a scene of a Dancehall night in full swing.

Born in 1956 in Grenada and moving to the UK at 10 years old, Denzil Forrester’s work focuses on the duality of cultures centring between the Caribbean and the UK, focusing on Reggae, Dancehall and Dub sound system culture.

Depicted in an expressionist style utilising overlapping colours, figures and shapes, Denzil’s paintings capture the energy and spirit of Soundsystem nights. These are a fundamental part of sharing and celebrating Caribbean culture. His work weaves records, speaker boxes and racks of Soundsystem electronics with expressive colours, shapes and dancing in his paintings. Caribbean Soundsystem culture and music has influenced a lot of UK music including but not limited to Garage, Jungle, Drum and Bass, Grime and MCing.

Denzil’s work Dub Scratchers can be found on the first floor of The Harris.