Tough Dumplin

Tough Dumplin (Tris Graham) is a new media artist with a particular interest in sequential and timeline-based media. His works in film, music production, and rhythmic-based media have a strong thematic focus on narrative placement and storytelling.

In his latest album 'Tough Dumplin Foundation for Better Lyrics', he is telling the story of a first-generation Jamaican, through hip hop. The Patois and English lyricism swing back and forth and he often draws on the tradition of dub poetry in the way he weaves the narrative. 'What is a Duppy' flips the script on stereotypes. 'Bad Tourist' humorously critiques the exoticism of Jamaican culture by vacationers through the lens of a Jamaican. While 'Jamaica Vaca', seriously addresses the longing of needing to return home. The whole album is a journey and really unique project, that speaks to migration and a re-centering narrative.

His film and video work are examples of beautifully rhythmic cinematic art. ‘Of Expansion’ is a trippy experimental film that focuses on an exploration through the catalyst of an artist's studio visit. His documentary film 'Claudine Apothecary' focuses on documentary storytelling. Each frame has the consideration of a photograph and supports the narrative of interesting environmentally-focused efforts that people are initiating and participating in the community. His work has traveled internationally, with screenings at The Chale Wote Festival in Accra, Ghana, and recognition for "Of Expansion" as the Best Experimental Film at the Imagine This Women's International Film Festival.