An installation view with fabric hanging from the ceiling and two tapestries on the wall
Benaiah Matheson, Town Island, as part of the Grenada Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2024

Benaiah Matheson: Town Island

  • 20 Apr – 24 Nov 2024
  • Grenada Pavilion, Venice Biennale
  • Free

Benaiah Matheson presents Town Island as part of the Grenada Pavilion at the Venice Biennale.

The project explores links between Carriacou, Grenada and Huddersfield, intertwining the narratives of distant yet intimately connected communities.

During the 1950s, Britain’s call to commonwealth nations brought a significant community of Carriacou people, known as ‘Kayaks’, to the West Yorkshire town of Huddersfield, including Matheson’s family.

Bridging cultures across borders and generations and inspired by migration and belonging, early in 2024, Matheson hosted a series of workshops in Grenada and Huddersfield.

The resulting artworks are presented in this exhibition as part of the Grenada Pavilion.

The work will also be presented in Huddersfield by Yorkshire Contemporary later in 2024.

About

This project is supported by Yorkshire Contemporary through the British Council’s Biennials Connect Grants programme.

Benaiah Matheson (b.1985) is a visual artist based in Huddersfield. His multi-disciplinary work includes textiles, fashion, movement and painting, all through a collaborative and socially engaged practice.

Matheson explores the intersection of heritage, identity and shared experiences between Carriacou (Grenada) and Huddersfield (UK). He is interested in capturing the nuanced resonances and differences between the intersections of identity as well as individual and collective lived experiences. With a dynamic and authentic approach, Matheson seeks to highlight the rich vibrancy of multiculturalism and the international reach of artistic voices.