Winslow Jordan’s Colours of Crop Over

The energy. The rhythm. The colour.

The newest Crop Over artwork commissioned by the National Cultural Foundation is more than just beautiful imagery—it’s a celebration of Barbadian identity, told through the eyes of visual artist and musician Winslow “RubyTech” Jordan.

Best known to many for his work on the local music scene, Jordan’s artistic roots actually run far deeper—and far earlier. From a very young age, he was guided by his father, the late Winston Jordan, a cultural pioneer and former graphic director at The Nation Publishing Company. Winston was among the early creatives who helped shape the visual language of Crop Over in its formative years.

“My father taught me how to draw from the age of three,” Jordan shared. “And I’ve never really stopped. Even though the public may know me more through music, I’ve always been creating through art.”

That passion has led to a growing partnership between the NCF and Jordan, who has been producing visual work for the Foundation over the last few years. In 2024, he brought several life-sized folk characters to life—figures like Mother Sally, Rachel Pringle, Sly Mongoose, and Potato Mouth—each mounted and displayed at events across the island.

This year, with aid of Ha’san Tull and Jeremey Marshall colouring, the collaboration expanded into a full digital series. The newly launched artworks are vibrant, immersive compositions that capture the essence of the Crop Over Festival. Musicians sway mid-performance, flying fish dance through the air, and cultural icons stand proudly in fantastical, folklore-inspired settings.

“There are six pieces now in total,” Jordan explained. “They’re meant to capture the spirit of the festival—its heritage, its people, the landscape, and the energy that makes Crop Over so special. It’s not just about entertainment—it’s a reflection of who we are as a nation.”

Among the most talked-about pieces are Barbadian Folk Characters 1 and 2—companion illustrations that pay tribute to the cultural storytellers and symbolic figures of Bajan folklore. With vivid depictions of iconic characters such as King Dyal, Robert Jones, the Tuk Band, the Stilt Walker, and even the mystical Shaggy Bear, Jordan has infused each figure with personality and purpose.

“I wanted to move beyond the traditional,” he said. “The Shaggy Bear, for example, I portrayed more like a shaman or priest figure—someone powerful and spiritual. These characters aren’t just decorations. They mean something. They represent pieces of our collective memory.”

The pieces were developed digitally but retain the texture and warmth of traditional illustration. Each composition was printed and installed across key Crop Over event spaces, giving Barbadians and visitors alike the chance to experience the festival through a new lens—one shaped by history, storytelling, and innovation.

For Jordan, the opportunity to continue his father’s legacy through this collaboration with the NCF has been deeply meaningful.

“My dad’s fingerprints are still all over the culture,” he said. “So for me, working with the NCF on these projects—it’s not just work. It’s honouring tradition, while also pushing creative boundaries.”

Though the artwork has sparked strong reactions and interest—including requests from event planners to rent and display the pieces—Jordan remains focused on the art’s deeper purpose.

“This is about legacy,” he said. “The visuals, the music, the storytelling—it all has to stand the test of time. When someone sees this work years from now, I want them to feel the spirit of Barbados. That’s what matters most.”

As the Crop Over season unfolds, Jordan’s artwork serves as a visual heartbeat—reminding us of who we are, where we’ve come from, and just how much there is to celebrate.

Look out for these vibrant pieces at upcoming NCF events and installations island-wide.

Let the colour move you. Let the culture inspire you.