If I were to be successful, I will would use the funding to develop a new body of work that deepens my exploration of identity, heritage, and storytelling through installation and sculpture. I aim to evolve my work by incorporating heritage materials such as wood and clay. This allows me to begin looking into outdoor, public art that reaches new audiences in communal settings.
The bursary will enable me to learn technical skills in handloom weaving, woodworking, and clay building. Expanding the material language of my work, and allowing me to craft layered, tactile sculptures that combine softness and solidity. I want to explore new approaches to storytelling. Ones that weave together material histories, personal narratives, and collective memory.
Darlington’s rich heritage in textiles resonates deeply with my practice. The town’s history in wool combing and worsted weaving offers a unique context for engaging with traditional crafts. I aim to connect with local communities and businesses to explore its historical and cultural significance.
This award represents a vital turning point in my practice – giving me the freedom to experiment, take risks, and push beyond current limitations. It would support a step forward in scale, conceptual depth, and social engagement. I want to create work that is not only physically accessible but emotionally resonant.
Ultimately, I hope to create installations that honour where we come from and where we are going. Works that hold space for individual and collective transformation. Through this, I aim to contribute meaningfully to the cultural fabric of Darlington and beyond.
A key part of my development will involve embedding myself in Darlington and the surrounding area. Taking time to meet local communities, hear their stories, and understand a new environment.
By facilitating workshops in textiles and sculpture, I hope to create spaces for shared storytelling and creative expression, drawing parallels between personal narratives and Darlington’s industrial past. I’m especially interested in working with underrepresented groups and exploring how ideas of transformation and cultural memory resonate locally.
Engaging with local artisans and community members will inform my work, allowing me to create site-responsive installations that reflect both individual and collective identities. These collaborations will not only enrich my practice, but also contribute to Darlington’s cultural landscape by fostering inclusivity and dialogue.
Through these efforts, I aspire to highlight Darlington’s artistic heritage while amplifying voices, inviting broader engagement with the arts.
My art practice illuminates the rich and multifaceted experiences of Black womanhood. Through my exploration of identity, heritage, and migration, I create immersive installations and evocative sculptures that engage multiple senses. Challenging preconceived notions and perceptions. My art serves as a conversational bridge: inspiring women to come together, share their stories, and unapologetically embrace their authentic selves. My work has been exhibited across the UK, USA, and Europe in renowned galleries such as Tate Modern, The ICA, and The African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta. In recognition of my practice, I was nominated for the “Female Founder” award in The Independent Awards in 2022 and was a finalist in The Ingram Prize in 2023. I strive to help build community by bringing people together and sharing space together through my creative workshops. To create a safe place where we uplift and empower each other. Where stories can be shared and creative juices can freely flow. Recent exhibitions include my solo exhibition ‘Where Two Or Three Are Gathered’ in central London at TAFETA, my inclusion in the group exhibition ‘Extinguish’ at Southside Contemporary Art Gallery in Virginia, USA, and my inclusion in the group exhibition ‘Unraveled’ at Art Museum of the University of Memphis in Memphis, USA. I also debuted my work at Dallas Art Fair in Dallas, USA.
I studied BA Art & English Literature at The University of Reading – with a term in Zürich, Switzerland at F+F Schüle für Kunst und Design.
I was nominated for the “Female Founder” award in The Independent Awards in 2022 and was a finalist in The Ingram Prize in 2023.
I have hosted a number of workshops with the aim of helping participants learn new stitching and embroidery skills as well as network with other creatives. I have worked with galleries and organisations such as Tate Modern, Somerset House, and the Barbican to do so. I have also mentored University of the Arts London students as part of their ‘Community Exchanges’ programme.
I have been commissioned by ‘GAS Projects Gloucester’ to create a textile banner supporting young refugees with a safe space to connect within the community and develop a sense of belonging. The project ‘Windows of Welcome’ will animate the Gloucester high street during Refugee week in the UK.
Three of my artworks have been acquired by global firm Cooley LLP who have a growing collection of artworks.
My work has been reviewed and featured in numerous magazines, art journals, and online curated platforms such as British Vogue, FAD Magazine, Hobbycraft, Love Embroidery Magazine, and Artiq Annual.
Links:
https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/best-exhibitions-london#:~:text=NoahDavisisopennowattheBarbican.&text=AtTAFETAJokeAmusan’sWhere,IngramPrizeExhibitionin2023
https://fadmagazine.com/2025/03/15/the-top-5-art-exhibitions-to-see-in-london-in-late-march-3/
https://www.instagram.com/ibijoke.img/p/DBJfjdXomSV/?img_index=1
I took part in the Mayor of London’s *London Made Me* programme – an initiative that supported emerging creatives through business development and retail experience. As part of the scheme, I undertook intensive business training, followed by weeks dedicated to designing and building a retail space, which culminated in the opening of a shop featuring our work. I used the opportunity as an artist residency by not only showcasing work, but also producing work live in the space and running workshops.
The programme equipped me with essential entrepreneurial skills while still honouring my creative voice.
Email: hello@jokeamusan.com
Address: Artist Studio Company, 243 Ealing Road, Hatton Road, Venice House, Wembley, Greater London, HA0 1QL, GB
Local Authority: London Borough of Brent
