BLACK FREQUENCY POP- UP EXHIBIT
The Black Frequency exhibit pop-up is a vibrant celebration of emerging Black talent from across Ontario, showcasing the dynamic creativity of young artists through a diverse range of mediums. This unique initiative brings together fresh voices in the arts, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with compelling works that reflect the richness of Black experiences and perspectives. All artwork featured in the exhibit is available for purchase, providing both a platform for these artists to gain visibility and a chance for collectors and art enthusiasts to support grassroots creativity directly. Additionally, the exhibit extends beyond physical spaces, with all pieces displayed virtually HERE on the Black Emerging Creatives (B.EC) website, ensuring broader accessibility for supporters who want to explore and invest in this talent.
Organized as a fundraiser for B.EC, a not-for-profit committed to amplifying Black artistry and culture, the Black Frequency Exhibit supports programs that empower creators and enrich communities. Funds raised from the exhibit will help sustain B.EC’s impactful projects, which include producing Black-led short films, hosting art showcases, and facilitating community-driven Black dance programs. By connecting artists with patrons and advocates, B.EC not only celebrates the artistic excellence of Ontario's young Black creatives but also ensures the continuation of meaningful initiatives that uplift and inspire.
MEET THE ARTISTS
LESLEY HAMILTON
She works with acrylic on canvas and specializes in holding paint workshops across the GTA helping others bring beautiful pieces of art home. Lesley Hamilton is a self-taught visual artist of caribbean decent. She has been painting for the past 8 years with a focus on feminine and cultural representation in her art.
INSTAGRAM:@purplepalette
MARCUS AMSTRONG
After earning his degree in digital communications from the University of Toronto, Marcus Armstrong, driven by his passion for filmmaking and photography, chose to embark on his own freelance creative journey. His work has graced prestigious events like the National Black Film Festival and The Short Film Festival. Collaborating with esteemed clients such as the National Film Board, Heritage Canada, and Red Bull, Marcus has honed his skills. In 2020, Marcus harnessed his experience in cinematography and photography to establish Introspective Films, his own media production company. Through this venture, Marcus aims to continue the growth of his passion and expertise in visual storytelling, with a focus on amplifying the voices often left unheard.
INSTAGRAM:@introspectivesfilms
Trinitae JOHNSON
Emerging artist Trinitae Johnson recently earned her degree from OCAD University in the advertising program. She works as a freelance designer and creates graphics for a variety of platforms. Her life experiences serve as inspiration for both her traditional and digital paintings.
INSTAGRAM:@trinitaee
MPHOKALAZA
Michael Griffiths is known for his effortless, provocative creative energy. His work is laced with intention originating from knowledge gained from his formal education, career and through being well travelled.
After retirement and a brief stop in the psychology field, through his worldly exploration, a connection to his love of knowledge about history and the black experience began to awaken and compelled him to not only dig deeper but begin to leave his impression and interpretation on a canvas. Presently Micheal spends his time creating visual art that speaks of his free creative spirit, his innate creative ability and most touching, his perspective on slavery, black culture and community.
INSTAGRAM: @Michael.griffiths.9862
LA LA SANTIAGO
Leequette “Lala” Santiago, is an American Canadian visual artist residing in Oshawa, Ontario. Her work explores her southern identity, spirituality and familial dynamics through a mixture of traditional mediums and textiles.
Lala is a self-taught artist with a background in Pediatric Health Administration, who is inspired by artists like Kehinde Wiley, Judy Bowman, and Frida Kahlo. She uses her craft as a means of storytelling and personal reclamation, especially following her postpartum identity loss. Her process consists of meticulously weaving together mediums, playing with compositions and fiddling with light until she finds something that illuminates.
Recently, she has been experimenting with patterned fabrics in an effort to reduce her carbon footprint. She has received the Emerging Artist Award (2021), The Robert McLaughlin Award(2023) and The Robert McLaughlin Award (2024). Her work has been featured by Pampers, QuickBooks Canada, and in public art across Ontario. She is focused on expanding her exhibition and public art practice.
INSTAGRAM: @lala_theartist
KHARA MARTIN
KhaRå Martin is an artist and filmmaker currently working within the GTA. Her debut short film No Justice No Peace premiered at TIFF NEXT WAVE, won Best Short Film at the Emerging Lens Film Festival, and the Impact award at CineFAM Film Festival. Her second documentary, The Idea of The Black Dollar, is now on CBCGem and currently, KhaRå is hosting a docuseries called Black Community Mixtapes on CityTV.
INSTAGRAM:@azayniamusic
Jordan (J3) Williams
Jordan Williams is an artist from Pickering who studied Independent Illustration at Seneca College. Passionate about character design, he draws inspiration from anime and his faith, blending these elements to create meaningful and imaginative works. Jordan’s art reflects his dedication to storytelling, prophetic creations and his desire to inspire others through his creative vision.
INSTAGRAM: @Jorm3m
LOIS SANDER
Lois has over 34 years of experience as an educator, including 15 years in supervisory roles, Lois has dedicated her career to working with children and parents. Her passion for virtual art has been a constant driving force throughout her journey in this field. Lois honed her artistic skills through classes and has since been expressing her creativity on various canvases. Her work is a vibrant reflection of her love for life and her deep connection with the elements of nature.
Lois On Canvas is proud to offer custom paintings and to host painting events, both in-person and virtually. These events cater to a diverse audience, making them suitable for organizations and special occasions for individuals of all ages.
INSTAGRAM: @lois.oncavas
My name is Monique Armstrong the Founder and Executive Director of B. Emerging Creatives Canada. This not-for-profit initiative was started to bring support, resources and provide platforms for emerging Black, BIPOC or Badass artists across Canada.
As a fellow creator, versed in many mediums, coming up in this industry has been tough. With B. Emerging Creatives Canada, I wanted to create a safe space and where creatives can come to receive real support without the often critical eye that comes with the title of being “emerging” . The aim is to help each other, as we all strive to get to the next level in our careers.
The Black Frequency exhibit highlights some amazing emerging artists, a mix of immigrants and 1st generation Canadians. Their works reflect experimentation of self identity, their blackness and progress for the black community here in North America.
INSTAGRAM:@mrsmoniqueak