An exhibition of student artists, organized by the Black Student Association
at UBC Okanagan.
This exhibition was organized as part of Black History Month events at UBCO in the FINA gallery from February 12 to 22, 2024. Below is a list of the artists, statements and images of their work.
Anonymous
“Okpu isi-agu,” the ‘red cap’ worn by Chiefs in Igboland, represents the entire institution of leadership, authority, and power within Igbo society. Each stitch tells a story of ancestral wisdom, each hue a testament to the enduring legacy of kingship, both past and present. Resting upon the brow, it commands attention, signifying more than just a hat, but the very essence of leadership, tradition, and the resilient spirit of a community. But here, amidst the tapestry of tradition, a new narrative emerges—one of unapologetic celebration, where every boy is a king in his own right.
Peter Idoko
I am a 3rd year undergrad student majoring in Computer Science in the Faculty of Arts and Minoring in Management. My art journey has been long and tumultuous, to say the least. I have been making art for as long as I can remember, drawing inspiration from family and friends alike. I did, however, take a break for some time due to academic and life commitments during which I lost some of my touch. Art has always been a safe space for me be it through music, writing, or visual art. I have always found being able to pick up the pen cathartic and freeing. The time I spent off it was regrettable, as such, I am trying to regain that touch I once had, the creativity, the passion, all of that. Art is life and life is art, I hope I always remember that.
Kiki Mobolaji
Welcome to my world of imagery! I’m Kiki, a street photographer hailing from Calgary, Alberta. I began my journey with photography on a Nikon camera about 3 years ago. When my best friend introduced me to film photography a year later, I found a new passion and dedicated more time to studying the art. As a consequence, I became very fascinated by the unique and timeless aesthetic of film photography and vintage film cameras. Among my camera collection, the Rollei 35 S stands out for its sharpness and compact functionality. Besides my wallet or phone, I must take a camera with me every time I leave my house.
Keklevi Ansah
This painting represents the timelessness of black culture and tradition. The man at the center dances Bawa, a traditional dance from Northern Ghana. He wears a traditional attire called batakari, a Ghanian smock. In what seems to be the wrong place and time, his culture and tradition still thrives
Hamerenoah Taye
This is an homage to my hair. We have not always had a loving relationship but I’m happy to say we are now the best of friends. This is a collection of photos that showcase all the different hairstyles I have done in the past. It is in a collage style to commemorate my “hair-love” journey. I used printing paper, glue, and an old canvas that needed some love. Hair is a big part of black culture, as it is back home in Ethiopia as well. When moving here to Turtle Island (aka Canada) at the age of 8, it was a culture shock to be what it felt like the only coily hair representation around me. Watch me as I learn to hold my crown up high.
Marco Adriko
Marco Tiyo Adriko is a 21 year old University student from Kampala, Uganda. He is currently pursuing his undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna, Canada. He is an amateur writer and has had some of his pieces published in student-led literary journals and magazines. His work is inspired by Maggie Nelson, Toni Morrisson and Taiye Selasi. More of his work can be found on @mvarcostudio and @sxynergy on Instagram.
Chidera Onuorah
My name is Chidera Onuorah and I am a Nigerian Artist, my main medium of art is digital art and it’s been like this for years due to just how accessible it is to me. Inspirations for a lot of my art stem from the anime, cartoons, and comics I digested since I was a youngin. To no one’s surprise as a black person I never really saw characters that looked like me so a lot of my art is making black characters that can do really cool stuff and can end up in an anime or cartoon like I wished to see back then. Hope these pieces make you as a black person feel like you can do anything. ~ LostBoy :/
Deborah Edoho
My name is Deborah Edoho, and I’m in my fourth year of psychology BSC. Growing up, I had always been interested in art, drawing characters and writing stories to go along with them. As I got older, drawing became an endeavour much like working out, as each time, I would strive to exercise my skills, learn new techniques, and become better at drawing. Unfortunately, since school became more of a priority for me, I did indulge in drawing a lot less. Despite my decreased interest in drawing, art still holds a special place in my heart, providing me a way to express myself and release all my thoughts and ideas onto the page.
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