Grace Blai
Special Entry in the "Drawing Self-Emancipation" Youth Art Competition 2026
Artist bio
Grace Blai is a fourteen-year-old artist who currently goes to The Lodge School.
She started taking art seriously in class 4; one of her art pieces was then placed in a gallery for the first time. Grace specializes in portraits specifically and mostly uses alcohol markers and colored pencils, but she is always open to exploring new art forms and medias.
When it comes to art, she loves trying new things and having fun.
Title of artwork: "Away from the Bay"
Alcohol markers, colored pencils and fine line pens
Artist Statement
I chose the advertisement of the “African Negro Man” because I had more freedom to use my imagination as an artist.
The advertisement described his physical features which gave me freedom to express his smile, his work, and his developing family. The chains are broken to show so he can build his home, his family and his newfound life.
Self-emancipating person: "An African Man"
Advertisement from the newspaper "Barbados Mercury and Bridgetown Gazette" (March 24, 1807)
Transcription
RUN away from the Subscriber, in the Bay, an African Negro Man, about 5 feet 7 inches high, and with a scar upon both his hands, and upon his left feet; has filed teeth, and is an active fellow. Whoever will apprehend him, and deliver him to the Subscriber in the Bay, will receive the reward of Five Pounds. Masters of Vessels are cautioned not to take him off the Island, as they will be proceeded against according to law. March 17–3a. ISAAC WELCH.
The advertisement is in page 1 of the newspaper. To read the full issue, please click here.