O’shane Howard reimagines nostalgic moments from his childhood in Jamaica

The visuals of a culture are often paramount to their formulation around the globe, and for Toronto-based photographer O'shane Howard, drawing out said visual tradition is a means of establishing connection between diaspora and heritage. Through his latest project YAAD, the photographer and director pays tribute to the customs, fashions and gestures that people of the Jamaican diaspora embrace and preserve in their new environments.

Split into Kitchen, Bedroom, Living Room, and Jamaican Flag, each space in O’shane’s project becomes a de facto home for the viewers. For us, the living room series in particular stands out for its minute attention to the fine detail of Jamaican diaspora home life. “Jamaican culture has a rich tradition of art and crafts, including pottery, basketry and woodcarving,” O’shane tells It’s Nice That. “Incorporating local artwork and crafts into the living room's design can showcase the island's creative talent and heritage.” For O’shane, the living room within the Jamaican diaspora reflects the culture’s “vibrant and colourful nature, combining traditional and modern elements that showcase the country's rich history and diverse influences”. In one particular image, we see the elaborate decor in the living room that emphasises the “love for nature and outdoors” that O’shane says is key to Jamaican culture.

“Many Jamaican homes feature oversized windows or doors that allow plenty of natural light,” O’shane adds. “So, using natural materials such as wood, rattan and bamboo in furniture and decor is also common, as is incorporating plants and flowers into the space.” These visual cues are emphasised by deeply saturated colours, warm and earthy tones against bright pops of primary colour make-up every corner of O’shane’s careful lens. Still, though, such colours and decor never overshadow the subjects themselves – the owners of the respective living rooms. In each photo, a sense of familiar kinship and love permeates the frame with gentle undercurrents of resilience. “Jamaicans have a strong sense of resilience and perseverance, reflected in the country's history of overcoming adversity,” O’shane explains. “This value is also evident in the country's sports culture… it's in our DNA.”

What struck us in particular about YAAD was how O’shane let all facets of the culture come through in the visuals. “Jamaicans are known for their creativity and expression, with a strong tradition of music, dance and other art forms,” the photographer explains. “Music is a crucial aspect of the culture and significantly influences the atmosphere of a Jamaican living room.” Guiding viewers through this complete sensory experience was important for O’shane, as he aimed to bring “people down memory lane” with each image. Additionally, it’s the aforementioned attention to detail that takes viewers to a specific time and place. The plastic covers on the chairs, kitchen beans, “a specific type of artwork on the walls”, and “bottles of ting, milo, water crackers, buns, cheese, jerk chicken” and the like create for the perfect immersive atmosphere.

Overall, O’shane hopes this project continues to inspire others to “create from the heart and to create the worlds they want to see”. Or, perhaps most importantly, he stresses to “approach all your projects to create something that will live longer than you”.