Canada Cold

The protagonist for this video work is unlikely Jamaican sex symbol Winston Foster, a.k.a. Yellowman, who was abandoned by his parents at birth due to his albinism. After a traumatic orphanage upbringing, Foster honed his musical talents and determination to become a reggae star. He reclaimed the childhood taunt of 'Yellow man' and declared himself a sex symbol in a series of outlandish and humorous songs, strutting around countless stages in a bright yellow suit.


This new work centers on sculptural elements, principally, a three quarter size rendering of Yellowman in silicone rubber/latex and foam and a matching mask which is worn by an actor.
This work in progress follows a loose narrative based on Yellowman’s real-life visit to Toronto in the early 80’s. The film chronicles several of the key events in the Yellowman story, as well as some imagined scenarios based on one of his songs; “Canada cold”.(no doubt a response to this visit). The film follows the strange figure wondering through lonely, wintery Ontario landscapes.