Nothing about us without us!
As artists and cultural producers, we believe that amplifying voices benefits everyone, including underrepresented voices. The youth hold enormous power, and we can use them to spark change and make a difference in an inclusive manner. They have a unique perspective on the world, and it's essential to share it with others to create a more just and equitable society. Youth voices are critical because they represent fresh ideas and perspectives that are often overlooked by adults. They have the power to challenge the status quo and inspire positive change. The world needs this kind of energy and passion to overcome the challenges we face. The youth can use their creative talents to express their views and bring attention to some of the more important issues that we face.
Voice is power. Power to express oneself, power to control what people know about oneself, power to have a record of one's feelings and experiences. These artists have lived through experiences that are unique to them and have stories to be told. As others view this work and read their powerful words, their bit of history is being shared.
Curated by: Anthony Gebrehiwot
Featured Artists:
Andre Lopez
Gloromy
Huda Hussein
Jasmine Swimmer
Jasmine Valstone
Jezebelle Monsong
Kanisha Dabero
Serene Chan
KANISHA DOBERO
Kanisha’s Artist statement:
This artwork aims to highlight the urgent need for action on climate change and the devastating effects it has on our planet. By using a vibrant color palette in the iris and contrasting images within them, I hope to convey the beauty and fragility of our environment. Through the eyes, we can see the dichotomous realities happening in the world currently. The left eye shows a forest on fire to represent the destruction of our planet and natural landscapes. The opposing eye displays a serene forest and a community with their hand outstretched to represent the action of giving back to the environment. I used an individual pair of eyes void of skin colour to show that the two outcomes are a direct result of our actions and choices.
Through this piece, I hope to inspire viewers to take action and make meaningful changes in their daily lives to help preserve our planet for future generations.
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The collab piece is titled, "Together We Flourish"
and the eyes are titled, " The Path We Choose pt1" & "The Path
We Choose pt2"
JASMINE SWIMMER
Giving voice to societal norms that continue to affect people of color often is overlooked. The inspiration behind my pieces stem from the hidden pandemic among Black Indigenous bodies. Bringing attention to the mortality rate of Black Mothers, Fatherless Black Boys and the power of unifying the Black Family structure. Each piece was created to stir conversation, contemplation and grief to those that have navigated through these very real realities of trauma. Amplifying my voice through my art gives me the responsibility to highlight the difficult issues that need awareness and understanding.
Safe Space speaks to mental health among fatherless Black Boys who grow up into Black Men still dealing with their inner child.
Mortality speaks to the broken system of birthwork and postpartum support for Black Women in some occasions causing unnecessary death to the child and or mother.
Lethal Combination speaks to the systemic divide of the Black Family, if we can get back to that place of strong relationships we would build unstoppable communities.
SERENE CHAN
Intergenerational - This painting is about intergenerational trauma of an immigrant. Parents always go on about sacrifice so we don’t have to. My parents uprooted their life to follow their dreams of coming to
Canada. They expect me to continue following their dreams, but I have my own. Self sacrifice is their form of ultimate love, but this is where generational trauma comes from. If this chain continues, we’ll never
learn how to take care of ourselves. Parents do so much to fill everyone else’s cups, but who’s filling theirs? I’m still trying to teach them to unlearn this mindset that they’ve adopted from their own parents.
JEZEBELLE MOSONG
Amplifying Our Voices
We all have voices in our heads. We can embrace all these voices, but choose the best ones to amplify. We can follow a path that is best for us to enforce positive patterns of thought. These photos are representative of the multiple voices constantly buzzing around our minds. This piece is dedicated to Abynaya Kousikan, who always amplified our voices.
JASMINE VANSTONE
Through my digital collage series Nurturing Voices, I want to promote a more grounded sense of wellness through self-affirmation and connecting with nature. We live in a world where stress and anxiety are common, and our self-doubt and insecurities can quickly amplify those negative emotions. I believe that the first step in achieving wellness is to acknowledge that we are important and worthy individuals, whose voices should be heard and amplified. Through my series, I hope to encourage viewers to reflect on their self-worth and the power of their voices. The ripple effect that comes out of promoting positivity, self-expression, and self-love can transform the way we nurture others and form relationships with nature. By centering ourselves and amplifying our voices, we can build a supportive and inclusive community that promotes wellness and encourages us to embrace our unique identities.
BIG GLO
The pieces shared are reflections of RESILIENCE, STRENGTH, and COURAGE. Often times, we are met with obstacles and adverisities that make life more difficult. However, when we are able to remain confident in ourselves and in our capabilities, these challenges do not overcome us. This work is a reminder to myself and everyone else who interacts with it of the POWER we hold internally.