2023 -
Black Everyday
2023 Artists
Brett Miles
Brett Damion Miles was a man of many monikers: Musician, Actor, Writer, Painter, and Crow Whisperer.
He began painting in his 30s after he was already well-established as an amazing jazz soloist. Intuitively, Brett applied what he already knew about losing conscious thought and connecting to a spiritual space when creating musical solos to his newfound passion. Brett chose to paint on found materials only during his first years. He said he didn't feel worthy of canvas yet, but even his first works captured something magical and so Brett archived cardboard posters and cupboard doors he had repurposed from trash cans in New York.
He has a unique visual voice of color and motion; and though the hand is untrained formally, there is a truth of expression that is beautiful and undeniable. Brett was a promoter of peace and love in his life and art and was devout to creativity in all forms. He lived to reach an audience and I'm sure he would hope his paintings reach out and touch your soul. Enjoy the experience of seeing him reveal himself through paint.
Brett's books are available on Book Baby, he has awesome terror tales for Halloween, and his music is on CD Baby and most streaming platforms.
Diana Ohiozebau
Diana Ohiozebau is an Edmonton-based mixed media artist whose artistic practice is inspired by black identity, place, femininity, and African culture.
Since arriving in Canada, she has had several exhibition opportunities in Saskatchewan and Alberta, including a showcase at the Works Art and Design Festival, the RISE Emerging Artist exhibition, Edmonton Design week, Crossing Time Zone exhibition, and she is currently exhibiting at the Jubilee Auditorium. She has also given artist talks and facilitates art workshops and classes for diverse ages. In addition, she has received awards and grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, and Edmonton Arts Council.
She has a Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA) and a Master of Fine Art (MFA) from the University of Calgary. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta while working on private and public art commissions and exhibitions.
Messanie
Messanie is an Edmonton-based artist that has been studying Art for over 5 years. She
gains inspiration through valuable memories, using her art as a visual diary to recount experiences in a dynamic and colourful way. With her Diploma in illustration & 2D animation, she uses these mediums to explore, Themes of symbolism, perspective and emotion, time, presence and culture. Messnaie Has been an active volunteer at the Haitian
Organization of Edmonton; Actively participated in Haitian folkloric dance, taught by her mother Marie Laura Alexis R. Performing for 8 years, Messanie grew passionate for the art of dance and the human form in a fluid motion. Messanie uses inspiration from referencing powerful gestural art through her linework and brush strokes.
Messanie has led the youth arts team at the Haitian Organization of Edmonton, volunteering her time to youth to encourage creative voices and foster a safe space for their development. Messanie’s objectives are that viewers are able to find collective identity in her works. To experience rhythm, playfulness, colour, character, and flow. Something that evokes sentiment in others. She believes in being an advocate for those who cannot speak, or have challenges being heard.
Messanie choice of mediums are acrylic, charcoal, pencil, digital, collage work, and video art; where she has had the opportunity to become creative director in the music video MNLSA by Collins Isco, produced by DNA house Records in 2022.
Ola Bolarinwa
My name is Ola Bolarinwa. I was born in Nigeria and moved to Edmonton in 2009. I graduated from MacEwan University in 2017 with BSc. in Mathematics and Business. My many hobbies include sports and fitness. I am a self-taught artist who specializes in making hyperrealism drawings. This is a form of art that transforms real-life photos into detail-oriented drawings with the help of graphite and charcoal pencils. While there are other media used in making hyperrealism drawings, graphite and charcoal are my specialties.
My motivation to make hyperrealism drawings is centred around the therapeutic feeling it generates. It provides me with a different outlet for stress relief. I really hope my dedication to art motivates anyone
who has been sitting on the fence about starting. My advice? Just pick up a pencil or pen, ease into it and take your time.
My work currently supports the black community by having people of color as the centre of attraction in my portraits. These pieces portray different meanings, emotions, and struggles from my point of view to
that of the viewer. I hope that Edmonton can create more art shows and platforms online and offline for fellow artists like myself to showcase our works. You can support me by purchasing a print, sharing it with the world, and tagging my page @Ola4rever.
Ore Dipe
My name is Ore Dipe. Born and raised in Lagos Nigeria and moved to Edmonton in 2018. I am a storyteller at heart and express my art through photography and Film-making. I Specialize in Portrait photography and Wedding/Doc commercials. Storytelling is a big part of me, using my camera to be able to tell a story or capture lifelong memories either through images or videos is truly something special.