‘Unapologetically BLACK’: Honouring the Black Identity
/A new, long-awaited, and eagerly anticipated art exhibit will soon be on display at the St.F.X. Art Gallery, located in the Students’ Union Building.
“Unapologetically BLACK”: Honouring the Black Identity will open in the Bloomfield Art Gallery on Thursday, January 30, and run until February 29, with the opening ceremony January 30 from 6 to 8 pm. The exhibition is part of African Heritage Month at StFX, and will feature art that examines Black identities, and will highlight how artists of African descent understand and engage with their Blackness. The multidisciplinary show aims to emphasize the vast narratives of being Black in today’s society.
Kelsey Jones, StFX African Descent Student Affairs Coordinator, says she is very excited that Dr. Andrea Terry, Director of the campus Art Gallery, is making space for such an important and culturally significant exhibit—an event that will enhance the University’s reputation as a socially progressive, world-class academic institution.
Jones says the idea for the exhibition came about through an initiative of the BLACC Student Society. “It has been recognized that there is a lack of Black art on campus, on StFX grounds, and the Antigonish community, and it is very important to have an artistic display in order for students to feel they have representation on campus.” She says that Dr. Andrea Terry is very receptive of the idea, and that this is a good opportunity for collaboration among the BLACC Society, other students, and members of the community. “This is a wonderful occasion for artists on campus and the community as a whole, both as individuals or groups, to highlight and celebrate their work,” she says. Jones adds that the event was initiated to provide space for the Black community to engage with their blackness, and to portray their artwork and identity in a meaningful way.
The invitation for submissions has been extended to the whole Antigonish community. “We would love to have pieces from High School students and residents of the town and County,” says Jones. Submissions are open to all ages, and Jones stresses that it isn’t just about paintings, either. The exhibit welcomes all artists, all levels of style and talent, and they would love to have photography, poetry, posters and even quilts. Jones says they already have some poetry ready for hanging.
Jones, formerly from Amherst, has been in her position as African Descent Coordinator for the past three years, providing support and advice for students, including promoting campus events. She helps advocate and advance University issues for Black students both academically and socially. Her office also provides training on cultural safety and privilege. Jones is also a student herself, pursing a Master of Education.
Submission forms for the exhibit can be obtained from Jones’ office, room 4330 in Bloomfield Center. Forms can be sent to Jones via email, and should include a description of the work and a small blurb about its relevance to the artist’s lived experience. The artwork, along with the printed submission form, can then be dropped off at the Art Gallery in the Students’ Union building on January 22, 23 or 27 from 10 am to 5 pm.
For more information, please contact Kelsey Jones, at kjones@stfx.ca, 902-867-5455 or Dr. Andrea Terry, aterry@stfx.ca.
