2023 Transformation Stories
Sharifah Namwanje
I am Sharifah Namwanje (she/her) , a refugee from Uganda due to my sexual orientation. In my photographic journey, I discovered a captivating intersection between my love for writing and the art of capturing moments. Despite wrestling with social anxiety and the label of a "weirdo," photography became my silent voice, expressing the unspoken verses of my poetry.
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“MAJESTIC DARKNESS”
Through the lens, I found solace in the world of black and white, transcending assumptions and divisions that often cloud our perceptions. In these portraits and frames, I focus not on colors but on the profound stories they conceal. It mirrors the hues of my daily emotions—darkness, grey, and an elusive sense of loss.
Luna Oberlin
Luna Oberlin is a black trans femme/woman influencer residing in Toronto. Born in Ireland, Luna has been a globe-trotter since childhood, constantly on the move. With a deep passion for beauty, forging new connections, and exploring new destinations, Luna's vibrant spirit reflects her love for diverse experiences. A dedicated traveler, one of Luna's aspirations is to traverse the globe, embracing the richness of different cultures. As a Pisces, Luna brings a dreamy and imaginative quality to her pursuits, creating a unique and enchanting presence in the world.
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In my collection of five images, I aimed to curate a moodier image board that evokes the nuanced emotions people often experience. The selection is designed to evoke a range of feelings and reflect the depth of human emotions, all while infusing a touch of fashion to add a stylistic and visually compelling element. However, upon reflection on all the photos I've taken, I've come to realize that I've unintentionally made fashion a significant part of my identity. This realization has left me feeling a bit lost, as if I don't know other facets of myself beyond my outward appearance. Consequently, I've recognized the importance of connecting with others on a deeper level, beyond the surface.
Kariel
New to photography with a passion for hair, beauty, aesthetic and all things pretty. My name is Kariel and I consider myself to be a downtown veteran. As a self taught braider, entrepreneur and having a mom as a hairdresser, I’ve been surrounded by black hair culture my entire life. Our crown signifies versatility, resilience and empowerment within ourselves and demographic. Black women are the epitome of the culture, we are the blueprint for global beauty trends yet rarely praised and accredited. Therefore, it was crucial for me to capture the essence of our creativity, beauty and fashion whilst being in the environment and atmosphere of a small black-owned hair store.
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Ragga Hair Studio and Beauty Store Inc is one of the only black-owned hair stores in the core of downtown Toronto. With the dedication and consistency to provide the black community with the products and services to style, nourish and treat our hair, they are an essential asset to the community. In my selection of photographs, my intention was to present a shared experience between black women and our hair. Regardless of our ethnicity, hair texture, preference of protective styles etc, many of us use our hair as an outlet for creative expression. We share the commonality of trials and tribulations when learning about the health of our hair or finding products that work for us. Within this series of photos, I present to you a journey with pivotal highlights of womanhood, beauty, strength and fashion through a vintage and chic lens. Enjoy!
Colleen
Colleen (she/they) is a multidisciplinary creative. They are passionate about visual storytelling and hope to create more art in the near future.
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'Unveiling Shadows'
'Unveiling Shadows' isn't just about personal anguish, it's about the universal experience of betrayal in friendships. It serves as a testament to the strength required to break free from the chains of toxic relationships and reclaim one's sense of self. As you immerse yourself in this visual narrative, prepare to confront the uncomfortable realities of manipulation, self-doubt, and the ultimate triumph of resilience. It's a story of healing, self-discovery, and reclaiming agency through pain.
Remi
I'm Remi, a Toronto-native freelance photographer with Nigerian heritage, encompassing Yoruba and Edo tribes. My photo essay explores "Black Surrealism" and "Alte" within the Nigerian sphere. My work showcases the increasingly popular trend of surrealism in black photography. This genre's influence has spread to various domains, including concerts and fashion magazines. We're moving beyond conventional, mundane photography, embracing innovative and expressive methods to reflect the uniqueness of the black experience.
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"Afro-surrealism, or Black surrealism, is all about capturing the black experience in a dreamy, surreal way. It started as a kind of answer to the usual surrealism, putting the spotlight on what it's like for black people today. This cool style got its roots from some thoughtful Black thinkers and poets from places like Senegal, Martinique, and Guadeloupe. The whole idea is to break free from the norm and show the world a different side of being black, mixing and challenging ideas like white/black, European/African, and even what's considered civilized. It's part of the bigger Surrealist scene and is super famous for its dreamy, out-there vibe." When editing these photos, I made sure I took an alte approach. "Alte" in Nigeria is all about a cool, fresh subculture that's popping up in the music and fashion scenes.