Josie Chanfi

Josie Chanfi is a British-French-Comorian artist whose practice is inspired by her heritage and exploring the amalgamation of these cultures. Born in Bristol: a city full of art and culture, and where graffiti is a part of everyday life. This culture surrounded her upbringing and influenced Chanfi’s identity. Conversely, having never visited the Comoros islands, this side of her identity always fascinated her. The making of this collection, entitled ‘Métisse’, has opened the opportunity to begin an exploration into her own identity.

Through visits to museums and archives, Chanfi researched Comorian design, tradition and history. There is a particular influence from the vivid shades and patterns noticed in some of these Comorian textiles. Colour becomes a central theme of the collection and Chanfi uses spray paint to achieve these bright colours – further blending her Bristolian and Comorian identity.

Chanfi uses aluminium casting to create intricate and layered forms. Aluminium allows big and bold pieces to be lightweight and practical. The collection consists mainly of wearable pieces as Chanfi defines jewellery to be a symbol of identity and memory. The act of wearing jewellery is intimately tied to the body and therefore the identity of the wearer.