Family first?

Opening Reception:
Saturday, April 6, 5 pm

Family first? delves into the intricate dynamics of Black familial relationships and the journey of self-discovery. The exhibition – featuring work by artists Chukwudubem Ukaigwe, Jade Duncanson, Iris Huongbo, Deion Squires, and Delali Cofie – aims to unravel the often-unseen layers beneath the harmonious image of family life, exploring the intersections of personal identity, familial roles, and the unspoken emotional undercurrents.

Inspired by bell hooks’s insights on love and family, this exhibition critically examines the complexities of Black family structures. It brings to light how individuals often mask aspects of their identity from their family, revealing the struggle between personal authenticity and familial expectations. Central themes include the concealed self, dualities, love, and the multidimensional narratives of Black families, with a particular focus on the weight of generational expectations and trauma and the emergence of non-traditional family models.

Set in Surrey, home to Metro Vancouver’s largest Black population, the exhibition holds particular resonance. It reflects the diverse stories and emotional landscapes of the diaspora, shaped by migration and non-heteronormative identities, and challenges traditional familial norms.

Family first? is more than an exhibition; it’s a provocative journey that invites introspection and the reevaluation of family narratives. It poses a critical question: What happens when the structures of familial mutual support suppress individual expression? This exhibition is a voyage, traversing the depths of family bonds, identity, and the transformative power of understanding and acceptance.