Untitled (1), 2022

Whilst artist in residence at Studio Voltaire, McKenzie explored what happened to the environment of Jamaica during British colonisation of the island, beginning in the 17th century. As a starting point, McKenzie studied a number of natural resources and places in Jamaica – in particular the Lignum vitae tree and the summit of Catherines Peak in Saint Andrew Parish. In the limited edition work, the artist has sought to create first–person responses questioning how these vital resources were incorporated into the culture of England’s empire.