Title: “Carnival on the Avenue” 2024
Medium: Digital Art
Dimensions: 24 x 36 inches
Artists: Femi Kayede and Anthony B. Adeaba
Description:
"Carnival on the Avenue" is a vibrant digital art piece that captures the legacy of the DC Caribbean Carnival, set against the backdrop of the iconic Georgia Avenue, where the annual parade brought the city to life for nearly two decades. The DC Caribbean Carnival, which began in 1993 and ran until 2011, was more than just a festival; it was a powerful celebration of Caribbean culture, music, and unity in the heart of Washington, DC. At its peak, it had over 300,000 participants. The artwork reflects the pulsating energy of the carnival, with bursts of color, feathers, and steel pan sounds, symbolizing the rich traditions of the Caribbean diaspora.
In this piece, the familiar storefronts and streets of Georgia Avenue are transformed into a lively procession of masqueraders, dancers, and musicians, evoking memories of joy, rhythm, and community that the carnival brought to the District each summer. The carnival was a cultural lifeline for Caribbean immigrants and their descendants, allowing them to share their heritage with the broader DC community. At its height, it attracted thousands of revelers from around the world, showcasing the global appeal of Caribbean art forms like calypso, soca, and reggae.
Though the DC Caribbean Carnival ended in 2011, its legacy endures in the memories of those who participated and witnessed the celebration, and in the cultural impact it left on the city. "Carnival on the Avenue" is a tribute to that legacy, honoring the spirit of inclusion, joy, and cultural pride that the event brought to Georgia Avenue for 19 unforgettable years.
