17 Feb Never Was Average: Demystifying Afro-Quebecois Art (Gallery + Blog)

Earlier this week, I talked about Never Was Average, a production company that organizes meaningful discussions. Today, they hosted an event at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts to discuss on ”THE WOMAN POWER – DEMYSTIFYING AFRO-QUEBECOIS ART”. Hosted by Hanna Che and Harry Forbez, today’s panel discussion showcased Montreal’s very own Keish and Chivengi.

About the artists

Keish and Chivengi are two artists that are known for their art. Keish is a visual artist whose pieces consists of acrylic and oil paint on canvas. In an interview with Montreal Gazette, she said that ” (her) work is about highlighting the natural beauty of women and (women of colour).” I am familiar with her art and own two prints from her.

Next to her, was Chivengi, a queer (gender non conforming/non-binary) Haitian experimental R&B musician and performer who works with sound, dance, and visuals. While I was not familiar with Chivengi, I consider them family since they’re a good friend with my sibling Tania also known as Tati.

During The Discussion

The panel discussion hosted by Hanna and Harry was interesting and insightful. When asked about how they are able to tap in into their creativity, Chivengi said that it is not easy. In fact, they initially thought that ”creativity mode at first was hard because it was a linear structure way.” However, creativity comes and it goes and for Keish as well, you can’t put yourself into a creative mood since it comes naturally.

When asked about how does it feel to be a black artist in Montreal, they both pointed out . Chivengi pointed out that ”people don’t give us the chance to introduce yourself.” Keish added up to that by saying that ”they (people in Montreal) want to put you in a box. They see you as a black artist only whereas they should see you as an artist first instead of being a black artist”. I personally agree with that, being an artist doesn’t have anything to do with your color and it is ”unfair” to be labeled as a black artist. In fact, when people suggest that you are a black artist, they expect you to talk about the struggle and the history of the African-American in your art.

When asked about how do they stay motivated, they both shared an amazing point of view. For Keish, she stay motivated by being herself. She said that she ”SHE WANTS TO BE THE CHANGE SHE WISH SHE SAW GROWING UP”. (I had written this in capitals in my notes and I feel that if there’s one thing you should remember it is definitely this.)  Chivengi said that ”finding a community helps to feel less alone.”

When asked about their thoughts on social media, Keish said that it was a good marketing tool for her art and it has nothing to do with her being an artist. Chivengi stated that social media gives an opportunity for everyone, it balances it out and gone are the days that someone may have more chance and opportunity than others.

Following the panel, there was a group discussion that was not only interesting but also inspiring and it will be shared later on Never Was Average.