Deanio X Explores Untold Stories of Enslavement Through Powerful New Exhibition at Wilberforce House Museum

A unique and deeply moving art exhibition titled To Heal a Butterfly will open this weekend (Saturday, 28 September) at Wilberforce House Museum, showcasing new works by renowned artist Deanio X.

This evocative project, combining portraiture, digital animation, and sculptural installations, seeks to highlight the often-overlooked legacies of enslavement, focusing on the experiences of enslaved people from the Sea Islands and Jamaica.

A creative response to slavery research

At the core of To Heal a Butterfly is the exploration of the complex histories uncovered by the Wilberforce Institute at the University of Hull, and the Guardian's Legacies of Enslavement project. Deanio X's work reflects his artistic response to the lack of personal documentation from those who endured the brutal realities of transatlantic slavery. This exhibition aims to reimagine and give life to the lost narratives of enslaved people connected to the Sea Islands and Jamaica, who were historically linked to the Guardian newspaper.

By intertwining history with modern artistic techniques, Deanio X creates imagined portraits of these individuals—each piece thoughtfully drawing on the rich cultural heritage of West Africa. The use of African adinkra symbols, such as the Fafanto—a symbol associated with tenderness and fragility—brings to life their lost identities and their enduring legacies.

Artworks embedded within the museum displays

The artworks will be seamlessly incorporated into the museum’s existing displays, with several portraits temporarily replacing historical paintings. These representations of enslaved people challenge traditional narratives, allowing visitors to confront the silence surrounding the documentation of their experiences. The adinkra symbols used in Deanio X’s work pay homage to the African roots of the enslaved individuals while creating a visual connection to their stories.

In addition to static artworks, digital animations will be projected onto screens throughout the museum. These animated versions of the portraits breathe life into the names recorded in the Sea Islands’ enslavement lists, providing movement and presence to these otherwise faceless individuals.

Sculptural reflection on colonial legacies

A centrepiece of the exhibition is Deanio X's sculptural installation, which offers a reflection on the museum’s Benin plaque, damaged during World War II. This plaque was fractured by a bomb, and Deanio X interprets the break as a metaphor for the fractured relationship between Britain and African diasporas since the colonial period. The installation represents the need for healing and reconciliation, bridging past wounds with a present-day call for understanding and redress.

The symbolism of the plaque is a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of colonialism and the ways in which these deep historical scars continue to influence contemporary society. The installation will be a focal point for reflection on the continuing legacies of slavery and the role of museums in addressing and acknowledging these legacies.

A powerful homage to forgotten narratives

Speaking about the project, Deanio X remarked:

“When addressed, enslavement records and displaced objects remind us of how untended wounds carved in historic trails of power and conflict extend through time and space to exacerbate legacies of division in the present. To Heal a Butterfly is in homage to the philosophical significance of West African adinkra symbols such as the Fafanto—a symbol of tenderness, gentleness, honesty, and fragility represented by a butterfly. These artworks explore how different artforms might be used to create new forms of memorialisation for underrepresented narratives and figures in colonial archives.”

Community support and collaboration

The success of this project is built on strong collaborations. Hull Museums, the Wilberforce Institute, and members of the Wilberforce House Museum Advisory Board, which is made up of local historians, activists, and academics of colour, have worked closely with Deanio X to bring this powerful exhibition to life. The project has also benefited from funding by Arts Council England, as part of Hull Museums' status as a National Portfolio Organisation.

Speaking on behalf of Hull Museums, Robin Diaper, Curator of Hull Museums, expressed the institution’s enthusiasm for the exhibition, stating:

“We’re really excited to be working with Deanio on this thought-provoking project. There are many different perspectives and ways of viewing the complicated and challenging history of slavery. Deanio’s work will provide a new way of looking at this shared history.”

This sentiment was echoed by Cllr Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure:

“It’s great to see this new commission coming to Wilberforce House, offering a new and fresh perspective on the evocative subject of slavery.”

Academic contributions and artistic engagement

The University of Hull has also been a key partner in this project. Dr Nick Evans, from the Wilberforce Institute, emphasised the importance of using art as a tool for engaging audiences with Britain's past:

"The University of Hull is delighted to work with Deanio X and our friends at Hull Museums through this exciting project. Art has an important role in communicating the brutality of Britain's slavery past to new audiences. Deanio's artistic practice brings to life research with The Guardian led by Dr Cassandra Gooptar. Thanks too for all the help of the Wilberforce House Museum Advisory Board who guided this project throughout."

Through this exhibition, Deanio X demonstrates the ability of visual art to translate historical research into powerful forms of remembrance, providing new methods for memorialising the stories of those often left out of the history books. His work not only challenges existing narratives but also invites viewers to reflect on the ongoing influence of these stories in today's world.

Deanio X: A rising figure in contemporary art

Deanio X is a graduate of the University of Kent, where he studied American Studies (History & Literature). His work often revolves around redefining African narratives within contemporary European contexts. In 2018, he was awarded a scholarship to the Royal Drawing School, graduating the following year. Since then, he has worked on notable commissions for prestigious institutions, including the Royal Museum Greenwich and London South Bank University.

In 2022, he was granted the Hanover Grange Jamaica Residency, furthering his exploration of African diasporic narratives. Recently, Deanio X was one of ten artists commissioned by His Majesty The King to create portraits of notable members of the Windrush Generation, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the HMT Empire Windrush’s arrival in Britain. This project was featured in the BBC documentary Windrush: Portraits of a Generation.

Wilberforce House: A place of reflection on slavery

Wilberforce House Museum, located in the birthplace of William Wilberforce, Hull’s famous anti-slavery campaigner, is dedicated to showcasing the realities of the transatlantic slave trade. The museum’s galleries reveal the horrific impact of slavery and its enduring legacies. The museum works closely with local communities and the Wilberforce House Museum Advisory Board, which includes members of the Black community and people of colour, ensuring that the museum’s narrative reflects a broad range of voices and perspectives.

To Heal a Butterfly is open to the public at Wilberforce House Museum from 28 September 2024 until 23 April 2025. This exhibition is a must-see for those interested in exploring art, history, and the legacies of slavery in a deeply personal and innovative way.