Kadooment Time

In "Kadooment Time", Maurice Drakes captures the celebratory spirit and movement of the large parading crowds of Kadooment day. He pays close attention to the features and costumes of the figures in the foreground of the painting. Four central figures, comprising of one female and three males, and one female figure to the right of the painting all gaze directly out to the viewer inviting the audience to become immersed in the scene. Their costumes are diverse, with radiant colours repeated across the painting, and the use of watercolour as a medium assists in capturing the fluidity of movement in the scene. Drakes often documented Bajan traditions and festivities in his work, particularly in urban and working class life. At a time when most of the Caribbean's carnivals are canceled in the fight against COVID-19, this painting offers fond memories of a shared intangible cultural heritage.