Our first assignment for my Senior Studio Class was to embark upon a visual exploration via a diptych or typology. I've elected to tackle both simultaneously, and use it as a springboard into not only launching The Flagettes as my project, but also introducing the complex country of my origins, the Bahamas. as the physical setting of the comic, it's important that i find a way to explore the archipelago from two very distinct vantage points: one as a citizen looking critically at her countrymen, and as an ambassador for everyone else who's never set foot in the country [and probably never will].
Since a key point of conflict with the girls is their own identity versus the identity of the 'average' Bahamian populace, I thought that this was a good starting point. Visiting the various Bahamian political forums that I frequent on Facebook [it's one of the quickest ways of being up-to-date with the daily news], I asked the members- all Bahamians- to describe the average Bahamian in one word or phrase. None of the words came from myself [although I agree with nearly all of the words that came back], and I opted to leave the words unedited [as I feel that the mark of a 'true true Bahamian is their bad grammar XD]. The words and phrases I got in response were then assembled into a graphic with the Bahamian flag super-imposed on the words- the words themselves now becoming the fabric that makes up the flag.
Most of the words were exceptionally negative- this is a given for various reasons: the state of the country has certainly been more optimistic, we're on the precipice of the Silly Season [national elections-time] and it's always easier to pick out one's shortcomings than one's triumphs of character.
I feel that because of these words that my fellow Bahamians have opted to use in order to honestly describe themselves, characters like the Flagettes are needed- persons who can lift the spirits of a pessimistic nation and bind them closer together- much as other superheroes like Spider Man and Superman have done in the Marvel/DC comics respectively.
But as my next section of research will show, that doesn't mean they'll be welcomed with open arms.
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