I tend to create art that omits people, focusing instead on the items around us that shape both us and the world. So, when I started thinking of ideas for this piece, naturally, the initial main subject matter was not going to be people. However, I realized that would not work because I wanted the subject matter to be identifiably Black, but the objects you use or interact with do not always dictate race. 

So, I sought to create a piece that shows the diversity of the Black community through different hairstyles, skin colours, and outfits. When people talk about diversity, I feel we forget that within a set community, diversity is still an important concept, and ignoring this point can inadvertently ostracize individuals. 

In recent years, ‘the hair police’ have shown up on various social media platforms to try to tell people what black hair should look like. This is, of course, perplexing because not everyone’s hair is exactly alike. 

I think it is especially important for the Black community not to be divided by societal pressures that work to dictate how we should look or act, as we are already a small minority. This is why it was really important to me to have the setting of my art be U of T. 

Walking around campus, I do not see many black students, faculty or staff, so I just wanted to make it obvious that while there may not be a lot of us, we are still here, thriving and enjoying our university school life.