Explore Black History Month with The University of Victoria Art Collections
February is Black History Month. In 2024, we had the privilege of collaborating with Black artists and curators from across the country, who brought powerful exhibitions and programming to our gallery. In honour of the incredible work of these artists and curators, we invite you to explore the curated online resources developed alongside these exhibitions, both this month and beyond.

The Chorus is Speaking: Experiencing Identities of Blackness in Canada brought together eight artists — Ojo Agi, Christina Battle, Charles Campbell, Chantal Gibson, Dana Inkster, Karin Jones, Jan Wade, and Syrus Marcus Ware — exploring the Black experience on Turtle Island through diverse media, including sculpture, drawing, painting, installation, film, and poetry. Curated by Michelle Jacques and Jenelle Pasiechnik, the exhibition highlighted the artists' deep insights and inventiveness in addressing themes of identity, history, and resilience.
Watch The Chorus is Speaking Artist Talk
Read "The Chorus is Speaking: The Victoria Context" by Jenelle Pasiechnik
Read news coverage on The Chorus is Speaking

Rooting for Reclamation, curated by Madison Bridal, featured artists Aya Behr, Kemi Craig, Nathan Smith, and Tajah Olson. Through their work, the artists explored themes of Black identity, ancestry, beauty, joy, and community, each offering a unique perspective on Black reclamation.
Read the curatorial essay by Madison Bridal
Read our interview with Madison Bridal

Masked Identity, curated by Curator of Collections Anahita Ranjbar, focused on the life and art of Robert Burke, a Denesuline-Black artist and residential school Survivor. Through intricate symbolism and a distinctive style, Robert’s exhibition reflected on the social and political injustices he has faced, offering a powerful narrative of personal healing and reconciliation through art.
Watch the video interview with Robert Burke
Explore the Masked Identity virtual exhibition
Read news coverage on Masked Identity
Enjoyed these exhibition resources? Continue exploring on our Past Exhibitions Blog. Search through decades of exhibitions offered by The University of Victoria Art Collections at our current and past locations.