This February, the Vancouver Art Gallery invites the community to dive into Celebrating Black Futures, a month-long program spotlighting the rich intersection of Black art, music, literature, and film. In honour of Black History Month, the program collaborates with key cultural organizations, including Artspeak, Nooroongji Books, Vancouver Black Library, the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF), Space Lab, and We the Roses. Together, they offer an immersive lineup that amplifies Black voices and celebrates the vibrant cultural heritage of Black communities in Vancouver and beyond.
Sound and Reflection: Interactive Events Inspired by Firelei Báez One highlight of the month is the Gallery’s first-ever interactive hi-fi listening session, inspired by the themes of migration and identity in Firelei Báez’s artwork. Partnering with Space Lab and cultural producer Hafiz Akinlusi, this session combines high-fidelity sound, experimental music, and guided reflection, offering a multisensory way to engage with Báez’s powerful installations.
In another nod to Báez’s work, Sound Bath: In Drexciya, artist Courtenay Mayes will lead participants in a crystal bowl sound bath. This meditative event, set amidst Báez’s richly layered art, fosters a space for mindfulness and personal connection to themes of resilience and transformation.
Film Screenings: Exploring Black and African Cinema
The Gallery’s collaboration with VIFF brings compelling stories to the screen, showcasing Black and African cinema. Highlights include:
- Mami Wata (2023), a stunning black-and-white fantasy thriller based on West African folklore.
- Drexciya (2010), a short documentary by Akosua Adoma Owusu, exploring an abandoned swimming facility in Accra, Ghana.
- The Inheritance (2020), Ephraim Asili’s innovative feature intertwining the histories of the MOVE liberation group, the Black Arts Movement, and Asili’s own experiences.
Thought-Provoking Dialogues on Black Art and Writing
Later in the month, the Gallery will host an intimate discussion between Erica Cardwell, critic and educator, and Nya Lewis, curator and Artspeak Gallery director. Their conversation, inspired by Cardwell’s book Wrong Is Not My Name: Notes on (Black) Art, promises to inspire dialogue and reflection on the power of Black narratives in the arts.
Organized by Kika Memeh and Stephanie Bokenfohr, Celebrating Black Futures offers a unique opportunity to engage with Black cultural expressions while fostering inclusivity and dialogue.
For the full lineup of events, visit the Vancouver Art Gallery’s website. —Vita Daily
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