Self Portrait as a Stranger With My Face Krystal BallTORONTO, Ontario Size 42" x 36" Medium Acrylic paint, canvas, fabric This mixed media work uses Jamaican bandana fabric and acrylic to explore the erasure of identity within marriage and motherhood. The bandana, used to frame the face and hem, is traditionally worn by market women and is a symbol of cultural pride repurposed to question domestication and control. Created after a traumatic childbirth and during a marriage marked by infidelity and emotional neglect, this piece examines how care work, especially within Caribbean households, often comes at the cost of autonomy. Through fabric and paint, I reclaim my narrative and assert the right to define myself beyond imposed roles of motherhood and marriage. Self Portrait as a Stranger With My Face Krystal BallTORONTO, Ontario About the artist About the artist Krystal BallTORONTO, Ontario Krystal Ball is a Jamaican born multidisciplinary artist now residing in Toronto. She is a mixed media artist whose work explores identity, culture, and resilience through vibrant combinations of textiles and paint. With over 15 years of experience, Krystal has exhibited internationally and led impactful public art projects, including the Mural of Hope series in Dominica in collaboration with UNICEF and the I Have a Right Foundation. She has worked with major brands such as TIFF, TOLive, Appleton Estate and The Toronto Raptors. Her gallery work reflects her personal journey as a Caribbean immigrant. Krystal’s innovative use of fabrics collected during her travels adds depth to her art which has been recognized for its emotional resonance and cultural significance. A dynamic creator and community leader, Krystal continues to inspire through her art, brand collaborations, and storytelling initiatives that merge creativity with advocacy. Follow on social