This immersive installation and performance explores the cognitive dissonance experienced by individuals of mixed heritage, particularly those whose backgrounds span histories of colonialism and enslavement. Through a fusion of Spanish and Ghanaian artistic traditions, the work confronts the dissociation created by society’s opposition to cultural mixing, creating a dichotomy between the feeling of being closer to each inheritance at intervals of time in an individual’s span of life and the feeling of not fully belonging to either culture, but existing in a liminal space between them, blending everything into one.
The installation features hand-painted tiles adorned with Spanish motifs, juxtaposed with wood pieces carved and gilded, adorned with hand-drawn motifs and fabrics, crafted in the Ghanaian style. A broken spear wants to obliterate the past damage, a neck shackle refuses to forget. The dual heart remains trapped and suspended in the middle of nowhere as if it belongs in a place called limbo. These elements create a visual dialogue that reflects the tension and harmony of dual identities. The performance amplifies this narrative: a monologue critiques contemporary societal structures, while a dance piece blends the rhythmic styles of both cultures, embodying the struggle and beauty of their convergence and showing a clear path for harmony.
Inspired by personal experiences and rigorous research, directly connected to a Critical Studies Dissertation, Cognitive Dissonance in Black and White invites viewers to reflect on understanding, solidarity, humanity, and anti-racism. It challenges us to confront the legacies of the past and consider how they shape our present—urging a collective commitment to dismantling systemic oppression.