The Artist

Frederick wisdom

The diaspora of certain groups of people has always fascinated me – why people move on, where they settle and what they leave behind.

Even though I was not born in the Motherland, I feel spiritually connected to it – my historical roots lie in Africa hence Africa has served as the foundation for the many images I have created over the years.

My illustrations employ both ancient and contemporary images – the African mask used in my work depicts the ancient; representing ancient rituals, war, spiritual and religious ceremonies but also doubles up as a contrast to the beauty of modern African woman wearing the traditional wrap and Estée Lauder make-up. I like this type of juxtaposition – a kind of Beauty and the Beast.

On the contrary the Christian images and artefacts used in my work depict the contemporary; Christianity being a relatively recent arrival in Africa contrasting with the African woman who has been in Africa since the beginning of time.

What I remember, as a British born Jamaican, is 70’s fashion and church – Starsky and Hutch versus Songs of Praise - growing up wearing big afros, large collars and flairs. The recent retro movement; 70’s fashion and the soul era, has found its way back into high street fashion and I’m delighted that the fashion industry has brought styles and images of my youth back to life, which in turn have found their way into my artwork depicting both my past and my present.

Above all my images are based on time – then and now, mixed in a way that knows no boundaries.

The audio clip

playing throughout

this site is from

~ Words of Wisdom~

by Fred Wisdom singer, songwriter,

actor, artist and musician.