An island-based painter and illustrator has produced a striking set of portraits to reflect members of the Manx community who have African heritage.

Beth Louella created the series of three striking and colourful portraits of the Manx residents, entitled ’O Gem’, ’Sweet Mountain Air’ and ’O Land’ to highlight both the rich history, heritage and culture of each of the subjects and also to mark the diversity of the island’s population.

Beth said she created her project, which was backed by the Culture Vannin Treisht 2020 project, as it felt similar with her own feelings about Manx identity: ’My art is largely celebratory and key themes include heritage, culture and identity,’ said Beth.

’There are so many people with connections to the Isle of Man spread across the world and many countries represented here in the island.

’I believe these connections enrich our culture and are something to celebrate.

’The paintings feature people who live in the Isle of Man who have African heritage and are passionate about their island home and contribute in many ways.

’The portraits are painted using the colours of the Manx national tartan with shades altered to work best in the artworks.

’There are obvious and subtle visual references in each of the paintings, every pattern includes elements from the Isle of Man and the African country each person is connected with.

’The words in the paintings come from each of the islanders, include lines from the Manx National Anthem chosen specifically and reference the Isle of Man and each African country.’

l The series of portraits can be viewed at culturevannin.im