Black creativity on display at Toronto art fair this weekend

A Toronto centre for Black art is hosting an exhibition this weekend that exclusively features work by artists from across the African diaspora.

A Black Art Fair, hosted by the Nia Centre for the Arts, will show the work of 29 creators from across the GTA and Canada with roots or lineage in continental Africa, the Caribbean and beyond.

Alica Hall is the executive director of the Nia Centre, a non-profit charity dedicated to promoting Black art, funded in part by the art councils at all three levels of government. Ahead of the show, she told CBC Toronto in an interview that the event is all about uplifting underrepresented artists and is the only exhibit in the city solely dedicated to showcasing Black artists.

"The event is an important way for us to create visibility for Black creativity and give people an opportunity to invest in their work," she said.

"I think that's the most powerful way that we can ensure that there's a continual generation of artists who are documenting, who are showcasing Black Canadian history and their own unique ideas."

The event will feature paintings, photography, textile work and more. It's the second instalment of the show and doubles as way to celebrate the centre's first year in its renovated space, Hall said.

Since 2009, the organization has been uplifting and promoting Black art education and creators. 

"When we look at our cultural landscape, at our museums and our galleries, we don't always see black artists represented," Hall said. "And that really prevents them from their work being visible and for people to be able to invest in their work, which allows them to continue creating."

Diversity of artists, experiences 

One of the show's featured artists Chawntay Barrett was the Nia Centre artist in residence earlier this year. She said events like these help reinforce inclusion in the arts.

"I love a good Van Gogh or Monet … but it's different when it's something that you can relate to and that you feel a part of."

Toronto-based Nigerian artist Komi Olafimihan, who has featured paintings in the show this weekend, said opportunities like this one empower artists, especially young up-and-coming creatives. 

"Sometimes in other group exhibitions, where it's not just Black artists, you are the token Black artist," he said, sitting in his studio.

"Having these kinds of events where they can come and see it being done, it creates a kind of Interest as well as reaffirms an artist," he said.

Olafimihan said even those who are not Black or have a connection in the community can also benefit from visiting the centre this weekend. 

"After George Floyd, there was a lot of interest in Black Lives Matter and all of these things, and here is an opportunity for someone that may have a question to come and learn."

Art collecting education

Olafimihan will also be part of a panel discussion on the ins and outs of collecting art.

Hall said one of the goals of the event is to educate a new generation of art collectors, which she identifies as an important way to ensure Black history and experiences are archived with care.

"Too often we see in movies, we see in shows, stories, images that rely on stereotypes," she said.

"For the artists here, they're able to actually create in their own image. They're able to focus on the stories that are important to them, the moments, the images…. and I think that's the most powerful thing that we can do is begin to shift and shape culture"

A Black Art Fair will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday at 524 Oakwood Ave. 

For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.