Rain-stained wood panels of turquoise and fuchsia set the backdrop of ashes. In this moisture between our tears of where we are and where we want to be… how does a ghost inhabit that which has no borders?
In November 2025 Hurricane Melissa destroyed my family home/ home town in Jamaica. It left a lot of the neighbors in that countryside village homeless and with the task of rebuilding from nothing. These same neighbors in Bickersteth, Jamaica embraced me when I visited for the 1st time as an adult in 2022 contradicting my worries of rejection and homophobia. The vibrant colors and sun kissed light stained my practice and life. I’ll never forget driving up the hill to the house, getting out of the van and seeing this beautiful, lush, fern gully that held so much complicated, beautiful feelings for my family. The luscious greens, vibrant pinks/oranges and deep neon blue skies. I took landscape and still life photographs for the first time and got to see the land before it was washed away.
One thing that has given me solace is to pour into my communities with resource and care. I’m still in the works to connect with the people of Bickersteth but in the meantime I have mobilized to send direct, zero-barrier cash aid to trans and queer people in Jamaica.
If you feel so inclined please donate today and your donation goes directly into the hands of people rebuilding their lives in the face of disaster. As we all work to spread some love in these complicated times.
Much love,
Christopher Udemezue aka Christina
Find out more here. Thank you again for your support. - xx Christina