Anna Zidanes (Curator + Designer)

Anna Zidanes is an Afro-Brazilian designer and museologist based in Montreal. Passionate about digital museology, she utilizes extended reality (VR, AR, and MR) technology to enhance decolonial biographical narratives through an Afrofuturist perspective, thereby revitalizing the stories of Black communities and their diasporas. In 2023, she launched her inaugural Afrofuturistic creation, the MAHVI (Afrofuturist Museum of Life Stories), providing an immersive science-fiction storytelling experience inspired by the Ifá - Yoruba ancestral divination system.

Yung Yemi (Adeyemi Adegbesan)

Adeyemi Adegbesan is a Toronto-based multi-disciplinary artist whose practice aims to examine the cultural intersectionalities within Black identity. Reflecting on Black cultural ideologies from pre-colonial, colonial, present day and future timelines; across regions, religions, varying levels of income and political lines, Adegbesan examines the dichotomy of the richness of Black experiences with the imposed societal homogeneity of ‘Blackness’. Through his work Adegbesan pulls from these cultural inspirations to create Afro-futurist/Afro-surrealist portraits that embody themes of history, fantasy, speculative futures, and spirituality. 

André Mandela López

Andre Mandela López is an AfroLatino multidisciplinary visual artist and healing arts educator currently working in T’karonto. Andre’s work is an expression of his love for humanity and desire for collective liberation, often combining the human form to explore political issues in a spiritual context. His academic background in political science and his experience as an arts educator greatly influence the energy and content of his work, reflecting his passion for freedom and community. The intention driving Andre’s art is to tell the truth, invite play, encourage Love, and inspire healing revolution.

Arthur Tanga

A 3D and 2D artist, specializing in 3D modeling, illustration and graphic design, working in conceptual and multicultural themes. I work in digital and traditional mediums, such as digital sculpting and painting, traditional watercolor, oils, acrylic, ink, and scratch board. I am proficient in 3D Studio Max, zBrush 4, Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchbook pro, nDo2, and UDK
I hold a bachelor in Design with a focus in Illustration from the Ontario College of Arts & Design, Toronto, as well as a Game Art and Animation post grad certificate from Seneca College, Arts and Animation.

Black Sun Comics

Kelvin Nyeusi-Mawazo (pronounced "Nigh – ooo – see" – "Ma – wah – zo") is an author, illustrator, and owner of the publishing company named Black Sun Comics. They create Afrofuturist comics and graphic novels. Their books mix science, technology, magic & monsters with the timeless sophistication of black & white fine art. Set in an alternate universe on a planet named Alkebulan, "Black Sun: The Longest Night" is a graphic novel series that follows a group of unlikely heroes who must band together to reclaim their world from a ruthless, invading alien armada. Born and raised in Toronto (GTA), Canada, Kelvin uses the skills he's acquired as a Photographer, Front-end Web Developer, and College Instructor to digitally illustrate his books and teach others how to do the same. 

Camille Lauren

Camille Lauren is an illustrator, designer and live painter at her company Art of Ciel. She holds a Bachelors in Design from OCAD University. She is currently a grad student in Humber College’s UX Design program. Camille has captivated audience members with her live painting and portrait sketching at private weddings across Ontario and overseas, and public events in the GTA. Her illustrative approach includes blending insights from her subject matter’s story with imaginative symbolism to bring their personality to life visually in a fresh way. In her newest collection,“Paradiso: Painted Paradise”, Camille captures the fleeting experience of a vacation abroad.

CampJess

Jessica Campbell is a School of Continuing Studies certificate holder. She has completed the Art and Design Professional Skills Certificate and is now working on the Graphic Design and Visual Communication Skills Certificate. She also participated in the ArtWorksTO program. Jessica is a multimedia artist based in Toronto who uses digital mediums such as illustration, graphic design, and painting to express themes of wonder, optimism, and representations for people of colour.

Danilo Deluxo

Danilo Deluxo is an award-winning Toronto Multidisciplinary Artist, Graphic Designer, Muralist and Cultural Curator. His creative practice explores the multiplicities of Black identity through the lens of Afrofuturism.

Efemena Ogboru

I was born and raised in Abuja, Nigeria, and later moved to Canada in 2017 to pursue a Fine Arts degree. As an interdisciplinary artist, I utilize acrylics, oil paint, collages, and digital mediums in my work. My focus lies in portraiture, with a particular emphasis on capturing skin texture and diverse tones. From a young age, my passion for drawing flourished, influenced by exposure to various artists. In 2016, I acquired skills in oil painting under the guidance of a professional Nigerian artist. Subsequently, in 2018, I delved into the realm of graphic design. Over the past seven years, I have actively sold my paintings and prints, participating in events such as an exhibitions, art fairs and competition. My artistic journey involves continuous experimentation with different media. Looking ahead, I am eager to explore and refine various drawing and painting techniques.

Gordon Rowe

Gordon Rowe is a Toronto-born freelance illustrator and designer. He has been drawing since he’s been able to pick up a pen.

Inspired by the cartoons and movies of his childhood, he spent his early years making comics and drawings for friends. Since then, he has broadened his artistic range to digital painting, acrylic painting, gouache painting, portraiture, and life drawing. These days, he has made illustration and art direction for album artwork and editorials his main focus and has worked with several high profile clients in the music industry. Some of his passions include hip hop culture, jazz, and film.

iamnubio

As iamnubio, my artistic journey unfolds through a profound embrace of diverse aesthetics that traverse a spectrum of genres. In the realm of Afro-futurism, I find a harmonious fusion of African heritage and futuristic elements, allowing me to delve into the intricate tapestry of my cultural roots. This exploration extends beyond mere representation, projecting these rich influences into imaginative and forward-thinking realms. Each aesthetic, whether it's the celebratory embrace of Afro-futurism or the cutting-edge intersection of technology and art in Web 3, resonates with me in a unique and compelling manner. Afro-futurism becomes a vessel for celebrating my heritage while envisioning a future that champions diversity and uplifts marginalized communities. My artistic focus converges keenly at the crossroads of technology and art within the Web 3 landscape. Here, I leverage the potent tools of artificial intelligence, 3D modeling, and music to redefine the boundaries of creativity. This dynamic fusion allows me to craft immersive experiences that transcend traditional artistic forms. The Web 3 frontier is an exhilarating space, perpetually inspiring and challenging me as an artist.

Jasmine Swimmer

Jasmine Swimmer is an Afro Indigenous Multidisciplinary artist based in Toronto, specializing in digital and land based art. Finding solace in drawing to cope with postpartum depression Jasmine found her voice through her art. A graduate of ArtworksTO and OCAD she has worked with organizations like City of Toronto, York University, & BMO to bring stories to life with art. Jasmine is determined to infusing her Indigenous & Caribbean heritage into her work depicting the connection between Community, Identity, Resilience and Intersectionality.

Jason O'Brien

​Jason O'Brien is a Canadian born artist living in Toronto who explores soulful, introspective themes of the human condition that celebrate love, spirituality, strength, vulnerability, connectedness and the awesome resiliency of the human spirit. Jasons' work is a collection of his personal thoughts and aspirations depicted through the lens of the black cultural experience and aesthetic. His work celebrates heroic-subjects artfully represented to communicate his concepts. Traditionally, Jason produces his vividly, detailed work on large gallery-canvas but has recently harnessed the power of digital to create emotionally stunning works with mixed media. Jason invites viewers to delve deep in to his work and experience the black aesthetic through his eyes and he hopes viewers will be inspired by his messages and most importantly, that they will see pieces of themselves reflected back.

Jovita Akahome

Jovita Akahome is a Visual artist that specializes in painting, drawing and sculpture. She is passionate about how culture influences one's identity and is interested in experimentation with various mediums to explore these concepts. Her West-African background informs the recurring themes of identity and identification in her art practice. Jovita is a graduate of Visual Arts with a minor in History, from the University of Ottawa. She has participated in a number of Solo, as well as group exhibitions and art shows since 2018. Her artworks are displayed in various private and public spaces. Jovita aims to continue to explore art creation and process that is authentic and highlights the cultural richness of her community.

Just J. Art

Jamera is a multidisciplinary artist based in Toronto, specializing in acrylics, oil pastels, and digital paintings. Her work explores real-life ideologies, concepts and culture, aiming to offer fresh perspectives through bold colors and intricate layering of organic shapes. Her love for visual art started at a very young age. From designing & making clothes for dolls out of fabric scraps, to painting intricate designs on her nails. She’s always known how to utilize resources at her disposal to repurpose the old and create something new. Aside from conventional art forms, Jamera has found fulfillment in nurturing young minds and fostering creativity as a summer camp art coordinator for 6 years. Helping young aspiring artists embrace their imagination and think outside of the box has become an art form on its own and is inspiring along her artistic journey. Jamera’s appreciation for nature, music, culture and spirituality fuel inspiration for the work she creates. Through her artistic endeavors, she aspires to engage audiences and provoke thoughts, enriching the world of art through a new light.

Kareen Weir

Kareen Weir is an award winning contemporary artist and writer who endeavours to be a living example of the positive products that come out of the Jamaican society. She is a graduate of the Edna Manley College with a major in Sculpture, but had been exploring the world of mural painting since immigrating to Canada in 2014. Her work looks at themes of memory, retention, representation and identity through language and the Black experience. Her debut exhibition in Canada was as a participant in The Scratch and Mix Project: Empowering Black Youth through the Arts group exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Weir has been under the tutelage of Master Artist Raymond Watson as a sculpture apprentice, as well as mentored by d'bi.young anitafrika, under whom she completed the Artist Shaman Exhibit (ASE) and Professional Artist Development Initiative (PADI) residencies at the Watah Theatre. It was there that she wrote the beginnings of her own Patwa novel. Kareen is a member of the Black Wimmin Artist collective and also a graduate of the Mural Routes: Mural Art Career Development (MACD) Program, where she then moved on to do mural work across Ontario. Weir recently underwent a scholarship at the Al Green Sculpture Studio & School where she reignited her sculpture passion.

Komi Olafimihan

Komi Olafimihan, is a Toronto-based visual artist born in Nigeria who works in Acrylic Paint, digital illustration, and Mural art. His work has received praise for his skill in utilizing imagery, metaphor, symbolism, and cultural commentary to address ideas of decolonization through the lens of Afrofuturism. An artistic and cultural movement which examines African culture and its intersection with present and future technologies. Komi practices the genre of Afro-futurism as a convergence of imagination, technology, liberation and the future - an alternative way of picturing future possibilities through a black cultural lens.

MALICIOUZ

Painter and muralist, MALICIOUZ is a Montrealer of Haitian descent known for her numerous pieces presenting women as entities of monumental scale. From the streets to the canvas, her style stands out thanks to the strong spirit emanating from her characters. We find her murals on the streets of several cities such as Montreal, New York, Port-au-Prince, Jacmel, Abidjan and Douala.

Minister Faust

Minister Faust is an Afritopian theorist, a visual artist, an award-winning novelist, an award-winning journalist, and a community educator.

Mya Salau

Mya Salau is a Toronto-based, self-taught visual artist. With a versatile approach, Mya explores various painting styles such as Modern Cartoon; Pop Art, Portraiture, Landscape, Realism painting and Digital Art. Embracing a palette of vibrant colors, Mya has been experimenting with methodologies, inspirational storytelling and color theory to evoke diverse moods in her work.

Phillip Saunders

Phillip Saunders is a multidisciplinary artist and arts educator based in Toronto, Ontario. His practice includes oil painting, charcoal drawing, mural making, and digital illustrations. Phillip explores two worlds in his art practice, his oil paintings contrast sharply against his mural works; his oil practice takes on a traditional realist approach reminiscent of the old masters, where his mural work take on a contemporary pop art feel. Phillip also takes a keen interest in aspects of classical realism, his oil paintings are primarily focused on the Black Body set in landscapes of ancient times. For the past 4 years, Phillip’s oil paintings have been exploring the realms of ancient Bantu spirituality and what is seen as sacred, in hopes of resuscitating past religious cultural imagery. His work attempts to bond the past and present through figurative expressions nuanced in West African igbo culture, which is exemplified in his most recent series "Hebrew Nuance". Although his work varies from canvas to street art murals and may not have the same aesthetic consistencies, his paintings are still linked through reoccurring spiritual overtones.

Quentin VerCetty

Ancestral Avenger - Afrofuturistic Griot and award-winning creative - founder of the Black Speculative Arts Movement in Canada (2015) and AstroSankofa Arts Initiatives (2021). 

Rene Maran

René Maran was the first black writer to win the renowned French literary prize, the Prix Goncourt. He was born in Martinique and spent many years of his early childhood in Africa. After receiving his formal education in France, he joined the French colonial service and spent over twenty years in Black Africa. Batouala was born out of this experience, and was first published in French in 1921. This translation is, however, based upon the franker 1938 edition. He wrote seven other books including Le Livre de la Brousse (1934) and an autobiographical novel Un Homme pareil aux autres. He died in 1960.

Simone Patricia

Afro - Caribbean artist Simone Patricia is a contemporary artist from the Waterloo Region who graduated from Lakehead University with degrees in both Visual Arts and Education. She has always been passionate about implementing representation for her community in both fields. Her expressive works of art pay homage to her African-Caribbean heritage and culture, as well as the various women, men, and children from her life. Her focus is the depiction of diversity, positivity, joy and evolution within the Afro community. Simone practices putting together a harmonious combination of geometry and vibrancy to create and depict fluidity and freedom within her works, with the aim of educating her viewers on the true light within her community.

Taïna Mueth

Taïna is a Montreal-born mixed-media artist and community organizer of Haitian and Cameroonian heritage. Taïna’s work explores relationships between future and present through a Black cultural lens and attempts to foster new truths beyond dominant cultural discourse to connect the African diaspora with its histories and embodied knowledge. Her work is research-driven, instigated by history, fantasy, and science-fiction to explore Blackness with the intent of analyzing its infinite interconnectedness. Taïna debuted her career as a collage artist in 2020. She has always been enamored with archives and sought to respond to symbolic annihilation in the collective memory. Since then, she has been part of a group exhibition and had a solo exhibition. She also facilitates workshops addressing themes such as art, identity, social justice, and education. As mentioned by Zimbabwean painter Kudzanai-Violet Hwami: “the beauty of being a child of the diaspora is being able to reinvent ourselves and what it means to be African”. Using this premise as a reference point, Taïna wants to emancipate herself by connecting with a narrative that she has yet to see.

The Coven (Andre Barnwell)

The dynamic duo has known each other for years now and have finally found time to collaborate on their first project together through the pandemic. This piece was once an NFT but has been archived and used exclusively for exhibits and showcases.

TonyxTony

Tony Tones is a multiple award winning visual artist, photographer and community leader whose creative lens re-visions photography as an ongoing dialogue of social change between subject and society. A self-taught artist and photographer, Gebrehiwot founded XvXy-photo in 2014 focusing on studio portraiture. To date, he has worked with several notable brands such as Nike, Royal Bank of Canada, Vice Canada, Absolute, Hudson Bay, The City of Toronto and Linkedin to name a few. His work has been featured in over forty local and international publications such as the Star, the Globe and Mail, PAPER Magazine, Elle UK and Yahoo Lifestyle.

Troydel Wallace

I am a Jamaican-born, Toronto-based digital and visual artist whose passion is fueled by a desire to inspire change and impact lives. I stay true to my art style, with a mission to showcase the beauty and value of the African community as a whole. My drive is propelled by the conviction that I was called to be an artist. Through my intense fascination with Afro-Futurism, Afro-Punk aesthetics, and my Caribbean cultural influence, my GOLD-themed art style creates visual metaphors that celebrate the beauty and value of African aesthetics, culture, and its people.

Yomi Orimoloye

Yomi Orimoloye (b.1996) works with drawing, painting, digital and mixed media. Drawing inspiration from his scientific background, Nigerian heritage, and passion for animation, he incorporates simple geometric patterns, vibrant colors, and bold compositions into his work. He is particularly interested in the use of abstraction on familiar objects and the human form to contemplate identity. His art portrays the intricacies and joys inherent in growing up and living life in an old world that often feels new. With a touch of humour, Yomi's work journals his experiences as he endeavours to forge a meaningful connection with the world around him. Yomi obtained a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (systems) from the University of Ottawa in 2019. Today, he resides and works in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. As an emerging artist in its vibrant art community, Yomi has participated in a variety of group exhibitions, including “We Do Not Dream of Labour” at the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Gallerie Annexe (2023) and “Origins & Futures” at Wall Space Gallery (2022). Alongside exhibitions, Yomi’s works have been collected both nationally and internationally.

Zoe Osborne

Zoe Osborne (@thezoekid1) is a Barbados/Toronto based artist and designer from Barbados. Her work has a focus on Caribbean symbolism and narratives with an exploration in homesickness in the Caribbean Diaspora. Zoe has showcased digital animations in Toronto, New York, Barbados, Dubai, as well as on the NFT platform SupperRare. She holds a bachelor degree in Interior Design from Toronto Metropolitan University and was a creator in Elevate’s inaugural NFT Residency Program in Toronto.