The School of Psychology is proud to announce the winners of the Black History Month 2024 art competition, Reclaiming Narratives – A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.
This initiative invited students to shape Whitelands’ diverse and ever-evolving story by submitting artwork and photographs that reflected contemporary Black identities and experiences within our university community.
The winning piece, by Paulette Marica Robinson (MA Art Psychotherapy), has now been framed and is on display in the Whitelands corridor. Her thought-provoking mixed media artwork challenges reductive views of race and urges viewers to see the richness and depth of identity beyond imposed labels.
To honour Paulette, as well as our runners-up Jasmine Ali and Abbigail Parkin (both BSc Therapeutic Psychology students), a celebration was held on Wednesday 7 May 2025 in the Whitelands reception area.
Speaking about the competition, Vaithehy Shanmuganathan-Felton, Deputy Dean in the School of Psychology, said: “This competition gave our students a platform to creatively explore and reclaim the narratives that shape their identities and experiences at Whitelands. Each submission was deeply moving and insightful.
“The winning piece was more than a work of art – it was a statement. A statement about visibility and belonging, and about our school as a place where all histories are recognised, valued, and celebrated. We are incredibly proud to showcase this talent and to continue creating spaces for voices that have previously been marginalised.
“Thank you to Lottie Rowe, Head of Student Engagement; Moriam Grillo, Chair of the School EDI Committee and Race Equality Champion; and Maria Gudbrandsen, Interim Academic Head of Student Recruitment, for all their work in developing and organising this key initiative.”
The competition served as a unique opportunity for students to reflect on how their identities intersect with place, history, and community, helping to foster change through the power of visual storytelling.
1st Prize: Paulette Marica Robinson
MA Art Psychotherapy
Mixed Media (Acrylic Paint)
“As an Afro-Caribbean art psychotherapy student (not ‘Black’, as this refers to colour, not race) studying at Roehampton, the issue of race is sometimes the ‘elephant in the room.’ I have also considered throughout my three years of study whether this is the case in the therapeutic space, particularly in transcultural therapeutic relationships. It is so important to see more than just ‘race’ in the therapeutic space. I have a rich history, and I should be seen from all perspectives, not just the marginalised lens painted by social constructs. So here I am, see my identity, see my culture, and remember, I am history.”
2nd Prize: Jasmine Ali
BSc Therapeutic Psychology
“This photograph, titled ‘Writing Our Narrative,’ embodies the power of self-expression and the reclaiming of identity through the written word. The pen represents a tool for resilience and transformation, symbolising how Black students assert their voices and stories within predominantly white spaces. Capturing this moment of quiet determination, the image emphasises that writing, learning, and sharing experiences are acts of empowerment and change. Through this photograph, I aim to reflect the significance of storytelling as a means of shaping history and reclaiming our place within Whitelands College. Each narrative contributes to a richer, more inclusive legacy.”
3rd Prize: Abbigail Parkin
BSc Therapeutic Psychology
“This photo represents the change and process of Whitelands - The warm light represents enlightenment and progress, suggesting a shift towards inclusivity and recognition of Black narratives as integral to the collective history of the institution.”