FEELS LIKE HOME at the Art Gallery of Ontario
What does “home” mean to you?
Feels Like Home invites you to explore modern conversations about the concept of home. Sunday School, a creative agency, showcases works by collaborating with artists from Africa and its diaspora. They present diverse stories and perspectives that embody their cooperative spirit.
Visit https://ago.ca/exhibitions/feels-home
The exhibition showcases three series. First is “The Hair Appointment” (2018) by Jeremy Rodney-Hall. Second is “Ten Toes Down” (2021) by Kreshonna Keane. Third is “Jump Ball” (2019-ongoing) by O’shane Howard and Joshua Kissi. The gallery includes framed photographs, vinyl enlargements, prints on dibond, and a video work. These are arranged to create movement and vibrancy.
“The Hair Appointment” explores Black womanhood, beauty, and empowerment through hair braiding. It moves from childhood to adulthood, from home to salon. This space fosters community and support. Home feels familiar and comforting, found in shared experiences.
“Ten Toes Down” features tender portraits of a Black ballerina at home. It addresses the lack of diversity in dance. Her flesh-toned pointe shoes match her skin, symbolizing progress in ballet. These shoes connect Black bodies and their spaces, emphasizing the need to feel at home in our bodies.
“Jump Ball” examines basketball and Afro-diasporic communities. Portraits of young Black men in African and Western clothing, and families, emphasize identity, belonging, and unity. The orange Wilson basketball represents hope, aspiration, and kinship.
Sunday School’s work highlights collaboration and representation. It showcases Black stories from diverse creative communities. Their portraits echo the work of African and African-American photographers like Kwame Brathwaite, Seydou Keita, and James Barnor. They contribute to empowering and authentic imagery of Blackness.