Down Home: Portraits of Resilience

Down Home is an exhibition that brings together nine contemporary artists of African Nova Scotian and African Canadian descent, whose portraits and mixed media works explore different aspects of self, family, and community. These artists delve into the distinct experiences of Black communities in the Maritimes and across Canada, drawing from rich traditions of oral history, textile arts, and faith to reveal the intricate layers that shape Black life across generations. The exhibition fosters an intimate and layered exploration of both personal and collective narratives, offering diverse perspectives on Black identity, resilience, and creativity.  

The artists of Down Home navigate histories of migration, settlement, and displacement, exploring how those legacies have come to foster a sense of self deeply intertwined with communal identity. Justin Augustine and Kayza DeGraff-Ford's works pay homage to the Baptist church as a cornerstone of spiritual and social life. Similarly, Letitia Fraser and Preston Pavlis incorporate textiles into their portraits of family and community, illustrating the layered nature of identity and heritage through the tactility of fabric. Both Rebecca Fisk and Chrystal Clements critique the beauty and fashion industry, exploring how representation influences racial identity, while Saba Blyden-Taylor and Vanessa Thomas delve into the power of familial relationships and generational connections.  

As an exhibition, Down Home substantiates the power of alternative archival forms—including visual art, memory, and embodied practices—to preserve diasporic knowledge, sentiment, and cultural legacy. Fostering a space for reflection and connection, the exhibition celebrates the resilience and creativity of Black communities, honouring past legacies while envisioning future possibilities.