Showcasing work from 26 artists, the Black Art Fair champions passion across the Afro-diaspora

By Lucy Kebirungi

This November, the Nia Centre for the Arts hosted a vibrant celebration of Black creativity with the Black Art Fair, a unique exhibition that highlights the artistry of the Afro-diaspora. From Nov. 23 to 24, the fair offered art lovers the opportunity to engage with Black artists, explore their work and dive into the stories behind their pieces. 

The fair attracted around 560 attendees throughout the weekend, including a private showcase on Friday, Nov. 22. Of the 49 artworks displayed, 25 have been sold, with ongoing inquiries about the remaining pieces. 

Featuring paintings, sculptures, photography and tapestries, the fair showcased an eclectic range of artwork rooted in the Black experience, giving visitors and curators a fresh lens to view the complexity of identity, heritage and history. 

Toronto has long been a hub for diverse artistic expression, but until now, there’s never been a dedicated platform for Black artists to showcase their talents on this scale. The Black Art Fair aims to fill that gap, giving emerging and established Black artists the space to present their work on their terms. And this year, it did so with an energy and depth that are impossible to ignore. 

A landscape of artistic expression

From the moment I walked through the doors of the Nia Centre for the Arts, the atmosphere was electric. The space felt alive, every corner revealing a new face of Black artists’ expression. The artworks — whether in painting, photography, sculpture or tapestry — spoke volumes, each piece inviting the viewer to reflect on the nuances of Black identity and culture. 

What struck me was the sheer breadth of the work on display. There was no singular narrative or uniform approach: this was Black art in all its diversity, from abstract to figurative, traditional to contemporary. The fair revealed various perspectives, solidifying that Blackness is not a monolith. 

From the artists

The true essence of the fair lies in the connections it fosters between artists and attendees. As I walked through the exhibit, I had the privilege of engaging with a few of the 26 feature artists whose work went beyond mere aesthetics —  it was an expression of their journeys and reflections on Afro-diasporic life. 

Photographer Lennox Roach explained that two of his pieces, “The Ride” and “Lost Dreams,” explored reconnecting with one’s inner child. Taken at the Woodbine Centre Fantasy Fair, he captured the raw, unfiltered emotions of navigating adulthood while holding onto your inner child. 

“I wanted an adult to almost be in spaces where we relive our childhood, but you can tell that, obviously, they’re not a child anymore,” said Roach.

Drawing inspiration from Japanese-American singer-songwriter Mitski’s track “Class of 2013,” Roach shared how the juxtaposition of childhood nostalgia and the complexities of adulthood revealed itself in the subjects’ faces — some wistful, others full of hope, but caught in a moment of rediscovery. Through his lens, Roach invited us to reflect on our connections to the past and the dreams we’ve either lost or are still chasing. 

Subsequently, Toronto-based Ugandan photographer Joanna Bakyaita explained that her work centers on capturing the beauty and complexity of sisterhood and family within Black identity. 

“It talks a lot about African sisterhood, understood in the most primal space of human existence, which is the forest,” she said, describing her “Wethered Women” piece.  Her photography reflects this, highlighting intimate, everyday scenes celebrating Black life’s peaceful, joyful and contemplative facets. 

Reflecting on her journey, Joanna shared how her involvement in the “Take 3 Photography Program” at Nia Centre in 2021 played a pivotal role in shaping her artistic path. During the program, she connected with fellow photographers like Roya Del Sol (whose work was featured during the fair), who offered guidance and mentorship. 

“I got to connect with her through that, and then she helped me get on board and gave me some work and some tips on how to keep going,” Bakyaita said. This support system has been essential to her growth as an artist, enabling her to showcase her work and continually evolve within the broader art community.

Brandon Baghaee, a Toronto-based artist, shared insights into his powerful piece “Liberator Velocity,” which was featured at the fair. The painting captures a moment of freedom, innocence and boundless energy, with the child in mid-motion, racing through a sunlit street, the wheels blurring with speed. 

“In thinking about that, I was inspired by surrealism a lot, and incorporating surrealism in my work,” he said in an interview. Brandon spoke about how this piece was a personal exploration of his journey and growth. He reflected on how reconnecting with his childhood memories allowed him to channel a feeling of liberation, one that transcends age and time. 

A new era for Black art

Alica Hall, the Executive Director of Nia Centre, spoke passionately about the significance of the fair for the Black art community in Toronto. 

“I feel like the fair is an important way to address equal opportunity in the cultural landscape in Toronto. Too often we see in our galleries and museums inadequate representation of Black visual artists- Black artists in general.” 

She emphasized that the fair isn’t just about visibility; it’s about creating lasting opportunities for Black artists to thrive. 

“We have this opportunity to not only bring artists together to showcase their work,” she said, “but to build a community of buyers and collectors and supporters around them so that they can continue creating, continue to have patrons and ultimately forge successful careers.”

Reflecting on the broader significance of the event, Alica noted that the fair provides a space where Black artists can be celebrated and valued in ways often lacking in mainstream spaces.  

“I think there’s a lot of art lovers and supporters in the city, but they don’t have regular opportunities to engage, particularly with Black artists. I wanted to not only create that connection between buyers, collectors and artists but also for collectors to see themselves as a community.”

Overall, the fair was a success, showcasing the talent and creativity of Black artists and bringing the community together in a powerful display of solidarity and support. Artists, collectors, patrons and art lovers converged in the newly renovated space, creating an atmosphere of connection and celebration. 

With meaningful conversations sparked, new partnerships formed, and artworks finding new homes, the fair proved to be a crucial moment for the Black art community in Toronto, reaffirming the importance of visibility, collaboration and ongoing investment in Black creativity.