​New artwork, ‘Fah Who Dis? AstroBlack Joy,’ celebrates freedom, honours heritage and inspires unity

​​​​BRAMPTON, ON (August 2, 2024) – The City of Brampton has added to its collection of more than 50 public art installations having recently unveiled a new memorial artwork commemorating Emancipation Day​. Celebrated on August 1 in Canada, Emancipation Day marks the actual day in 1834 when the Slavery Abolition Act, 1833, came into effect across the British Empire, including Canada. Each year, Canadians are invited to reflect, educate and engage in the ongoing fight against both anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination​​​.

The new memorial artwork, Fah Who Dis? AstroBlack Joy, is located in Brampton’s Emancipation Park and features two colourful sculptures symbolizing the vibrancy, resilience and cultural heritage of Black-identifying Canadians. It invites residents and visitors to learn, celebrate and reflect on their journey towards freedom and equality.

City of Brampton and members of the community celebrate the unveiling of new Emancipation Day memorial artwork. Credit: City of Brampton

​After careful consideration, an artist selection committee recommended Kanisha Dabreo’s proposal for a multi-artist project to create this memorial. Ms.Dabreo collaborated with esteemed artists Jason O'Brien, Jamera Dacosta and Komi Olafimihan to bring their concept to life. A key element of this project was the mentorship of emerging Black-identifying artists, providing them with invaluable career experience and a platform to contribute meaningfully to this powerful work.

The City of Brampton invites all residents and visitors to experience the memorial, reflect on its significance and celebrate the contribution of Black-identifying individuals to the prosperity of the city.

Meet the artists behind the memorial

Kanisha Dabreo, is a Caribbean-Canadian multidisciplinary artist, digital designer and founder of Artistic Perception based in Brampton. During her free time, she enjoys travelling and learning about new cultures and ways of life. For her, community involvement is vital and a form of activism. Her aim is to inspire others by highlighting the beauty of diversity and culture through visual arts.

Komi Olafimihan, a Toronto-based visual artist who was born in Nigeria, works in the fields of painting, digital illustration and mural art. His work has received praise for his skill in utilizing image, metaphor, symbolism and cultural commentary to address ideas of decolonization through the lens of Afrofuturism, an artistic and cultural movement that examines African culture and its intersection with present and future technologies. He holds an M. Arch from Carleton University. 

Jamera Dacosta, specializes in acrylic, oil pastel and digital painting, exploring vibrancy of Caribbean heritage into her creative expression. She holds a Bachelor of Technology in Graphic Communications Management from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Jamera's work explores ideologies, concepts, and culture using bold colours and intricate layering of organic shapes. Jamera finds fulfillment in nurturing young minds and fostering creativity through art coordination, helping aspiring artists embrace their imagination. She aspires to engage audiences, provoke thought, and enrich the art world with fresh perspectives.

Jason O'Brien, explores soulful, introspective themes of the human condition, celebrating love, spirituality, strength, vulnerability, connectedness and human resilience. His work, a collection of personal thoughts and aspirations, draws from Black-Afrocentric culture, literature, music, fashion and pop culture, is translated through heroic subjects to communicate his concepts. A graduate of Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD University) in Toronto, Jason produces large gallery canvas works using rich, vibrant acrylic paints and various drawing mediums. He also creates emotionally stunning digital works using his iPad, blending reality, the surreal and Afro-futurism. Through his art, Jason invites viewers on a journey to examine his interpretations of what makes us “Beautifully Human,” hoping they see pieces of themselves reflected back.

​​Quotes

“This new memorial stands as a powerful symbol of our commitment to learning from the past and building a future rooted in equity and inclusion. It honours the remarkable achievements of Black-identifying Canadians in our country’s history and the importance of standing together in solidarity. We are delighted to recognize Emancipation Day with such a significant and meaningful piece of art and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to AstroSankofa and the artists for their incredible work and vision.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

​“AstroBlackJoy is not just an art installation; it is a celebration of culture, resilience and the unyielding spirit of Black-identifying Canadians. This memorial invites us all to reflect on our shared history and renew our commitment to combating racism and discrimination. It beautifully highlights the strength and diversity of our city and I am deeply grateful to the artists for their dedication and creativity in bringing this project to life." - Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton 

​"We are thrilled to unveil AstroBlackJoy as a part of Brampton's public art collection. This memorial embodies the collaborative spirit of our community and the incredible talent of our artists. It is a vibrant and thought-provoking piece that will inspire conversations and reflections on Emancipation Day and beyond.”- Kelly Stahl, Director, Cultural Services, City of Brampton 

​“Creating AstroBlackJoy has been a deeply meaningful journey. This memorial is a tribute to the ancestors who fought for freedom and to the generations who continue to build on that legacy. It is a celebration of our culture, our history and our future. I am honoured to have collaborated with such talented artists and to contribute to Brampton's public art collection." - Kanisha Dabreo, Lead Artist of AstroBlackJoy  

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