BSAM Canada overjoyed at winning Waterfront Residency

BY DAVE RANKIN

With winning the first ever Waterfront Artistry Residency, the ever-growing presence of the Canadian Chapter of the Black Speculative Arts Movement can no longer be ignored. Their progressive rise in the arts space has garnered the much-needed acclamation when it comes to showcasing talented individuals who have carved out an unapologetic space for themselves.

Starting out with BSAM co-founder Quentin Vercetty, who was one of two international artists featured in 2015 at the Unveiling Visions exhibition curated by John Jennings and Dr. Reynaldo Anderson in Harlem, NY. His work has been featured in exhibits around the world. Including a recent memorial commemorating Joshua Glover, who escaped slavery to later settle in Etobicoke.

Then there is artist and author Queen Kukoyi, who masterfully intertwines the presence of figures past and present who gaze into a futuristic landscape in the form of digital collages. We can see her latest work as part of the city’s “It’s Alright Now” public art project. The adrinka laced figure lets us know that regardless of what’s going on, we are ‘Present’, we are ‘Resilient’, we are ‘Forever.’

“Create the space to be extraordinary.”
Rounding out the trio of BSAM Executives is Nicole “Nico” Taylor. A scholar, activist, and cosplayer “N+ico” uses her forum to deconstruct, and decolonialize the misrepresentation mainstream society has placed on people of African descent. You can also see her work as part of the city’s “It’s Alright Now” public art project.

When speaking with “Nico” this past weekend about the residency, she echoed that the team was, “Overjoyed at the opportunity” and that, “This gives us a chance to broaden our reach and for more people to become knowledgeable of BSAM.” As someone who has attended and covered several BSAM events in the past, I also am happy for the movement. BSAM has steadily advocated that there are “Supportive and healing” factors within the realm of speculative arts through their projects, programs, and partnerships over the years.

With Toronto’s Waterfront seen as a space that brings so many people of diverse cultures together, it’s only right that the BSAM’s artistic display will “Place a focus on water.” Nico advises, “Water is seen as having mental and spiritual healing factors. Also, it brings various cultures together, just like a bridge.”

She is right on the money with that. Historically speaking, many African creation stories involve water. Also, water was seen as a highway, like the QEW or 401, for our ancestors. Let alone the countless of spiritual practices, for example baptism, that till this day still involves water.

Artistically speaking, there wouldn’t be a better way to showcase the healing and transformative properties of speculative art through this theme.

BSAM Canada is currently placing the final touches on what promises to be a historic time for African artistry in our city. With a virtual launch planned for later this year and involving their network of young, established and upcoming artists, the Waterfront Artistry Residency is in for quite a tribute this coming new year.

For more information on the Waterfront Artistry Residency, contact Waterfront BIA. Contact BSAM Canada at https://bsamcanada.ca