BAND OFFSITE SPOTLIGHTS THREE BLACK CANADIAN CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS

Metivier Gallery Bands Together with Black Artists

"Demoiselles d'Avignon." riff by Artist Ehiko Odeh

It was a night of richness in the art garden last Thursday when the Band Offsite Exhibition opened at the Nicholas Metivier Gallery. Three emerging Black Canadian artists were showcasing their work in a gallery that typically features well-known contemporary artists. And best of all, the exclusive show opening was packed.

Khalid Romain says cheese

The exhibition, BAND Offsite, features three artists: Ehiko Odeh, Khalid Romain, and Moses Salihou. In previous years, BAND has collaborated with the upscale Nicholas Metivier Gallery. However, this year, with the BAND gallery building in Parkdale undergoing reconstruction, the Metivier Gallery has extended a helping hand to BAND while also providing their client base with a unique opportunity to explore the rich and diverse world of Black Canadian art. With thought-provoking pieces and the exceptional talent of the participating artists, this exhibition serves as a testament to the growing prominence and significance of Black art in Canada.

Moses Salihoueft left, Ehiko and Khalid Romain right

Upon entering the gallery space, visitors are greeted by a diverse array of artwork that exemplifies the unique perspectives and creative expressions of the presenting artists. One notable piece is a large, vibrant painting featuring five Black women wearing African masks and not much else. Artist Ehiko Odeh has dedicated several years to creating this masterpiece, even portraying herself as the women in the piece. It serves as a response to Pablo Picasso's renowned cubist painting, "Demoiselles d'Avignon." Odeh, originally from Lagos, Nigeria, is now based in Toronto. Her body of work explores themes of decolonization, health and wellness, spirituality connected to traditional Afrakan masks, sexual violence, and the representation of melanated hair.

Feeling a little nervous about posing for a picture, Khalid Romain stood by one of his colorful paintings and, prodded by his wife, said cheese! Romain, a self-taught Trinidadian artist, is known for his mastery of acrylic and oil, as well as his expressive use of color, creating visually captivating narratives.

Completing the trio is Moses Salihou, a visual artist hailing from Cameroon and currently based in Toronto. Salihou's work resembles visual poetry, transcending boundaries and inviting limitless interpretations. Through various mediums such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, pigment, and charcoal, Salihou weaves a tapestry of emotions and experiences.

Moses Salihoueft portrait

The BAND show at the Nicholas Metivier Gallery, located at 190 Richmond Street East, will run until July 8th. Additionally, BAND has a temporary space just down the street from Metivier. Tonight, Trinidadian artist Khalid Romain will have two shows running simultaneously with the opening of his one-man show called "Whenever Whenever Comes." Not only is his art displayed at the Metiever Gallery, but there is also a one-man exhibition in BAND's Pop-up space down the street at 401 Richmond Street. Curated by Karen Carter, the show will run until July 29th.