A series of photographs by York University graduate student Anique Jordan is on display at the Art Gallery of Ontario as part of the “Scratch and Mix” exhibit running until Aug. 31.
Jordan, who is completing a MES at the Faculty of Environmental Studies (FES) along with diplomas with the Center for Research on Latin America and the Caribbean (CERLAC) and Business and Environment at the Schulich School of Business, is one of nine young black visual artists featured in the exhibit.
Her photographs explore how black women might be recognized as heroes during the War of 1812 and Jordan uses her own family’s history as black loyalists as inspiration.
During the war, the men of the Black Colonial Marine Corps fought with British forces to gain freedom, and were recognized for their participation – many even receiving land grants in Trinidad & Tobago. Meanwhile, the women struggled to sustain families and livelihoods, and Jordan’s work aims to make their efforts visible.
For the exhibit, Jordan dressed her mother and her aunts in the uniforms of that era and photographed them decorated with medals for their contributions to society and culture.
“Scratch and Mix” is sponsored by the Michaëlle Jean Foundation and NIA Centre of the Arts.
There will be a closing night reception on Aug. 26 at 6:30pm.