From Jamaica to the Moon
Ja-born Nova Lorraine one of 222 artists to have work displayed in space
Published:Sunday | March 3, 2024 | 12:12 AMJanet Silvera - Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Daring to reach beyond earthly boundaries, Jamaica-born fashion designer Nova Lorraine has achieved an extraordinary feat: her work of art now rests on the lunar surface as part of a groundbreaking human cultural preservation initiative.
Lorraine, a trailblazer hailing from Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, has etched her name in history as the first Jamaican fashion designer to have her art immortalised on the moon.
Selected among 222 artists worldwide by The Lunaprise Moon Museum, Lorraine’s accomplishment stands as a monumental milestone at the intersection of art and space exploration, curated by Space Blue and BitBasel.
Notably, Lorraine emerged as one of the 22 BitBasel Crypto Art winners, further cementing her legacy in this unprecedented venture.
Reflecting on her journey from humble beginnings to leaving a mark on the moon, Lorraine shared her thoughts with The Sunday Gleaner from her home in the United States, just days after the historic moon landing on February 22.
“As the first Jamaican fashion designer to have my art on the moon, this journey is not just mine, but a beacon for aspiring artists, particularly women in technology, who dare to dream beyond the stars,” she revealed.
The artist, who humorously notes she is forever ‘29’, encapsulates the spirit of dreaming big and shattering barriers.
Rooted deeply in her Jamaican heritage, Lorraine, a visionary whose family name is Forrest, has epitomised high achievement throughout her life. Originally trained as a clinical psychologist, she attributes her inspiration to lead by example to her upbringing.
Lorraine pursued her academic pursuits with tenacity, earning scholarships that supported her undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of Connecticut (UConn). Subsequently, she obtained her doctorate before venturing into the realm of fashion, design, and technology at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.
For Lorraine, the transition from clinical psychology to fashion was nothing short of a revelation. Recalling the moment of epiphany, she described it as a ‘divine download’ – a powerful vision that compelled her to redirect her career path.
“The transition was daunting,” she confided to The Sunday Gleaner, “as I had been convinced that my future was already mapped out in medicine. However, this compelling vision to impact lives through fashion resonated deeply within me.”
Prior to this revelation, Lorraine’s exposure to fashion had primarily been through her stylish Jamaican parents and other relatives, instilling in her a profound appreciation for fashion as a means of self-expression.
“I was, however, accustomed to the stability and had several patients,” she admitted. “But the inner voice urging me to pursue fashion was relentless – it felt like a divine calling, despite being radically different from my previous path.”
Navigating a realm unfamiliar to her, Lorraine said at that time, the fashion industry lacked the recognition and financial security it enjoys today.
“Choosing fashion over medicine was undoubtedly one of the most difficult decisions I’ve made,” she confessed. “But once I committed to it, I never looked back.”
In fact, her journey is a testament to the transformative power of following one’s passion, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity.
Lorraine’s journey from the fashion industry to the launch of Raine Magazine in 2007 marks a pivotal transition towards envisioning the future of fashion, culture, and technology.
“In the realm of futurism, I’ve long been intrigued and immersed in the exploration of what lies ahead. My introduction to blockchain technology came in 2013 through Bitcoin, and by 2017, I fully embraced the possibilities of this new digital era. As a speaker, creator, advisor, and educator in this space, my involvement caught the attention of BitBasel,” she explained
Having previously garnered acclaim for her artwork, BitBasel reached out to Lorraine, urging her to submit a piece for a contest centred around impact. Lorraine seized the opportunity, aligning her submission with three sustainable development goals: gender equality, life on land, and diversity and integration efforts.
Her submission was met with success, as she was named one of the winners and designated as one of the ambassadors representing sustainability in a global community of artists. Their collective mission? To contribute to a larger project of art preservation, which includes human and cultural preservation, destined for the moon.
“This journey into emerging technology not only led to recognition for my thought leadership and creativity as a fashion designer and artist but also paved the way for me to be a part of history,” Lorraine reflected proudly.
Karleen Hemrick, Lorraine’s art agent, lauded her achievements, stating, “She is a trendsetter in every sense. Her determination to overcome obstacles is unparalleled, and her commitment to her goals unwavering.”
Hemrick emphasised that Lorraine’s inclusion in this historic endeavour is just a glimpse of her broader impact, expressing immense pride in their association.
Lorraine’s art piece is now digitally preserved as part of the Lunarprise Museum, with plans for a physical manifestation. “It will grace the runways,” Lorraine exclaimed, outlining future exhibitions that will allow individuals to witness its representation of humanity’s current state on the moon.
As for the necessity of digital representations on the moon, Lorraine emphasised, “It’s about preserving humanity, culture, and art beyond our technological era. Art can endure for billions of years, serving as a testament to our existence and impact.”