BLM art exhibit calls out systemic racism

“I want Black people to see the work and to feel connected to it, especially here where … there’s not a lot of representation. To feel at home in a place where we’re not really wanted. Where we’re discriminated against.” 

In 2021, four Fraser Valley artists created a series of paintings with a clear focus on increasing awareness of the systemic racism faced by Black people and inspiring concrete action to tackle its existence globally and locally.  

During the work’s exhibition in UFV’s S’eliyemetaxwtexw Art Gallery, artists Faria Firoz, Michelle Msami, Rain Neeposh, and Dona Park shared their own experiences of life in our community, and their hopes for the project.  Now, for Black History Month, we are proud to share these interviews, as well as where you can view the art for yourself. 

To learn more about the artists and their project, please visit www.abbotsfordblm.ca.