Earlier this year, I made my initial voyage to Zimbabwe with the objective to undertake a series of new work inspired by that country. I arrived in Zimbabwe having never visited a country in the southern region of Africa. There were no expectations, but I was mesmerized by a culture foreign yet familiar to me. The sounds of Reggae-influenced music by young local Zimbabwean artists echoed across the fire lit night’s sky – reminiscent of the Caribbean space that I once was a part of. This work represents a small fraction of a larger “conversation” being had in my studio. These mixed media paintings attempt to draw comparison between my recent travel to Zimbabwe and themes present in ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’– both places rich in social, political and mythological histories. This work addresses multiple narratives that span personal, historical and mythological references. Notable themes of interest include heroism, journey, utopia, magic, love and the celebration of escape through fantastical and dreamlike imagery.