On this occasion I was heading to The O2 Brixton Academy. I don’t know the area, and most of the places near the venue seemed to be the usual fast food suspects. 

So imagine my surprise when I discovered Brixton Village. Set in the market, there are food outlets offering a variety of cuisines to fulfil the most discerning palate and, best of all, some of the cafés even allow you to bring your own alcohol. 

On this occasion I visited Elephant Café, which serves authentic Pakistani street food. I choose the Thali, which was really flavoursome and fabulous value for money.

The staff were attentive and provided friendly service, to the degree that you felt that you were visiting their home. I am now just waiting for the next gig in this area so I can return.

Moving to London

My aunt moved to London 40 years ago so initially I came over on her invitation for what I thought would be a short stay. I wanted to further my studies in art and get involved in the London art scene.

I arrived at a time when the YBAs (Young British Artists) were creating work which was unlike anything going on back home. The longer I stayed the more intense that involvement and excitement for the London art scene got, so I never left.

The Bahamian Community in London

Unlike many of the other Caribbean islands we didn’t have a mass economic migration in the 1960s to the UK so those of us who have ended up in London are less of a unified community.

There are lots of Bahamians here, and a very large Bahamian student population, but you would probably never recognise them – I would say we are particularly good at blending in. Only when in the company of other Bahamians will accents come out to give the game away!

Bahamian Food and Culture in London

The Bahamas High Commission is really the centre of activity for The Bahamas in London. They throw a big party for Bahamians and friends every year on Independence Day. The High Commission itself has a library of Bahamian publications and is the place you can go to read a local Bahamian newspaper.

If I wanted to get Bahamian food I would probably make a beeline for my aunt’s house! Otherwise, I’d go to Brixton as there’s a lot of Caribbean food which crosses over in to Bahamian cuisine.

In Brixton market you can get red snapper, plantain and pigeon peas – all staples of some of your typical Bahamian dishes. The main thing a Bahamian might miss is conch (sea snail, pronounced “konk”) – you get conch everything in the Bahamas – in burgers, salad, soup but you’ll never find it here fresh.

Bahamian Art in London

I’m a Bahamian artist practising in London but would be the first to say the work I make is unlike much of the contemporary art produced in the Bahamas.

I work mostly in sculpture and installation, using a range of materials to create my pieces.

The work I am currently showing at the Austrian Cultural Forum in London features a coconut covered in mirrored glass and a mural painstakingly made out of thousands of black beans.

The great thing about London is that there are so many places to show, and an infinite number of ways to be involved with the art community here. It would be nice if I could have the weather from home though!

Blue Curry’s work can be seen at the Austrian Cultural Forum until 6 May 2011.

Do you know anywhere else you can find Bahamian culture in London? Let us know in the comments below.

London’s historic Brixton Market has been given Grade II listed status in recognition of its importance to black history in Britain.

The market includes two covered arcades dating from the 1920s and 1930s, and a street market in Electric Avenue – which was one of the first streets to have electric light, and the subject of Eddy Grant’s song about the area.

As well as the stalls piled high with African and Caribbean produce, the area’s now home to a host of new shops and eateries that have opened in recent years.

We asked Katherine to tell us more about quilts in London:

What are you doing with Liberty this spring?
Liberty commissioned five new quilts from me for their exhibition Quilty Pleasures. They are also displaying the Action Man and Barbie quilts which I made 2007 after graduating. One of the quilts I’ve created is made from Liberty fabrics and clothing donated by the staff. The Liberty quilt will be auctioned on ebay to raise funds for the Variety Club charity.

Why did you start making quilts?
As a textile designer I’m concerned with our current throw-away culture. For me a quilt embodies the anti-throw-away. The sense of passed on skill and knowledge is a prominent aspect of my work and I run regular hand-sewing patchwork quilting workshops in London. I ask everyone to bring their own favorite textiles to work with and join in a discussion about the memories assosicated with these pieces.

Where are your favourite places to buy fabric in London?
I love to look in all the markets for bits of fabric. I also visit two textile recycling factories in London were I’ve built relationships that allow me to look through there, sorting piles for fabric off cuts or garments that will be suitable for my work.

What inspires you about London?
Finding new areas and new communities. When Bricolage had our pop-up shop in Brixton Market, I really enjoyed the vibrancy of the local community. Having many galleries and exhibitions on your door step is also an amazing source of research for a designer – I can’t wait to see the V&A Quilts!

The Quilty Pleasures exhibition at Liberty is only on until the 12 April, so get down there quick!