Black Wimmin: When and Where We Enter facts for kids
Black Wimmin: When and Where We Enter was a special art show that traveled across Canada in 1989. It was put together by the Diasporic African Women’s Art Collective (DAWA). This show was the first in Canada to feature only art made by Black women. It was also the first art show to be planned and curated (meaning the art was chosen and arranged) by Black women.
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About the Art Show
The name of the show, "Black Wimmin: When and Where We Enter," was inspired by the words of Anna Julia Cooper. She was an important Black activist from the late 1800s and early 1900s. The exhibition displayed art from 11 artists. These artists lived and worked in cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Edmonton. Along with the art, there were also talks and workshops for people to learn more.
The idea for the show came from Buseje Bailey and Grace Channer. They are both Black women artists, activists, and part of the DAWA group. The way they chose the art was very collaborative, meaning they worked together. They used ideas from African cultures, the Black diaspora (people of African descent living outside Africa), and feminism (the idea that women should have equal rights).
The show wanted to share the important ideas and feelings of Black women as a group. It also let everyone see art by people of African descent in the way it was meant to be seen. The exhibition helped make the artists feel strong and important. It showed that their art and experiences as Black women in Canada were valuable. The show also challenged the common idea that art from European cultures was better than art from other cultures.
The artworks in the show used many different materials. These included textiles (like fabrics), wooden boxes, and even tree branches. Some art featured dolls (Chloë Onari) or Haitian vèvè (special symbols) (Barbara Prézeau-Stephenson). There was also music and incense. Art by Khadejha McCall, Buseje Bailey, and Grace Channer showed Black women's bodies in new ways. Their art challenged old, unfair ideas and helped redefine how women of African descent were seen.
Where and When the Show Was Held
- A Space, Toronto, Ontario: January 28 to February 25, 1989
- Houseworks, Ottawa, Ontario: March 2 to March 29, 1989
- XChanges, Victoria, British Columbia: May 11 to May 27, 1989
- Articule, Montreal, Quebec: June 24 to September 23, 1989
- Eye Level, Halifax, Nova Scotia: September 6 to September 23, 1989
Artists in the Show
- Buseje Bailey
- Claire Carew
- Grace Channer
- Winsom Darrell
- Dzian Lacharite
- Khadejha (Irva Mae) McCall
- Kim (Mosa) McNeilly
- Foluke Olubayo
- Chloe Onari
- Barbara Prézeau-Stephenson
- Sulih Williams
Who Organized the Show?
The Diasporic African Women’s Art Collective (DAWA) was started in 1984. It was founded by Grace Channer, Buseje Bailey, Foluké Olubaiyu, Pauline Peters, and Dzi..An (Dzian Lacharatié). DAWA was created as a non-profit group. Its main goal was to promote the culture of Black women in Canada. DAWA was formed when many people were questioning ideas about Canada's identity. These people included activists who fought against racism, for women's rights, and for LGBTQ+ rights.
Buseje Bailey, one of the founders, explained why DAWA was important. She said it gave Black women a place to show their art. This was at a time when most art institutions ignored them.
A Special Anniversary: The Feast
On January 25, 2019, a special dinner event called The Feast took place. It was held at the Art Gallery of Ontario. One hundred Black women artists and cultural workers attended this event. It was held to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the "Black Wimmin: When and Where We Enter" exhibition. This anniversary event was organized by a group called Black Wimmin Artist. This group was founded in 2016 by artist Anique Jordan. It includes over 100 Black women and gender non-conforming artists and cultural workers in Canada.