Bio Photo: Courtesy Sarah Martin Nathan Eugene Carson is a multifaceted, multidisciplinary artist, whose trajectory has been less dictated by the hierarchical confines of what an artist is supposed to do, and more guided by an intuitive understanding of what an artist is supposed to be. Carson brings the same freedom of thought and expression encouraged by his creative familial upbringing into his first major solo exhibition at The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery.

(Photo: Kimani Peter captured by Latoya Powell/Ryersonian) A meeting of beats, hearts and minds is set to emerge online July 4 thanks to Kimani Peter, founder of LOUD.army, a music technology startup. The 27-year-old bespectacled Brampton, Ontario resident has spent most of his waking hours these past several weeks building a virtual stage for Black artists and Black activists to thrive and vibe during the third iteration of UP2SUMIN.

“The subject matter of my work is, and will always be Black, because that’s my experience and perspective. However, the theme of my work is humanity. I try to tell the story of the beauty and humanity in the Black body; something the visual culture of our society has long tried to distort or deny. BLOOM showcases the resiliency, power, and beauty of several amazingly talented black women excelling in their fields.”  -Benny Bing

George Fynn found his purpose at a young age. It all began with a feel for music which grew into a passion. That passion blossomed into a career as a DJ, radio show host, theatre producer, and event promoter. With over 25 years in the media and entertainment industry, George knows what it's like to weather the storm. 

Dawit L Petros has a unique perspective to offer on migration, colonization, and how all that intertwined history impacts us today. His current work, “Spazio Disponibile” (Available Space), reflects on Italy’s African colonies and Italian migration to North America in the period between the two World Wars, during which around 40,000 Italians came to Canada alone.

This year TO Lives’ Exhibit Ears, Eyes, Voice is honouring black photographers for their incredible works of art spanning 30 years. 

“Things are too easily captured and discarded, which I think takes something away from the community building aspect I experienced growing up.  We attended Caribbean picnics, listened to Calypso, and took trips together...so there was a sense of family and community. When I look at these photographs, they remind me of that era.” -Aaron Francis

Gordon Shadrach is a portrait artist, Grade 2 teacher, and public speaker. His work has shown at the Royal Ontario Museum, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia to name a few. As a self-taught painter, it’s even more impressive that he’s been selected by OCAD University as a lecturer at its How We Paint series. Prior to that engagement, ByBlacks spoke to the artist about the themes he explores through his art, the challenges of breaking through institutional barriers as an emerging artist at age 53, and what he most hopes to impart in…

Trayon Baksh, aka Tray Arts’ journey to success was fraught with pitfalls, but what seemed like divine intervention nudged him in the right direction while courage and determination pushed him the rest of the way.

Measha Brueggergosman is a Juno-award winning Canadian soprano who graces stages around the globe as an opera singer and concert artist. She is also an author, an actress and most importantly a mother of two boys. We caught up for a bite to eat at a hotel in downtown Toronto. Measha was in town to support an initiative with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. We first met years ago in Halifax when I was assigned to work on a profile of her for CTV National News. Full disclosure: she is one of my favourite people.