ANCIENT TONGUE Artist Talk by Tafui
ANCIENT TONGUE ARTIST TALK: Tafui
Sunday March 12, 2023 | 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Seymour Art Gallery, North Vancouver, BC
Free Tickets Here
About the exhibit
ANCIENT TONGUE, Vancouver-based artist and designer Tafui exhibits a large-scale textile installation and paintings inspired by cornrows/canerows. Her striking black and white textile installation flows from the ceiling to the floor, and large paintings echo the repeating motifs along the walls of the gallery. Using mark-making as an homage to traditional methods of storytelling, Tafui shares her own stories through her work.
Cornrows, also known as canerows outside of North America, have been integral to the African diaspora for centuries. Initially developed in East and West Africa, cornrow groomed and styled hair created intricate designs and expressed cultural identity. Tafui explains that this hairstyle has remained a powerful symbol of identity and resilience. As a cultural practice, cornrows have a rich history, representing a shared heritage of strength and perseverance. They are an important symbol of a collective past and a reminder of the beauty and power of African-descended people worldwide.
Tafui has translated this unique self-expression into patterns and symbols for her paintings and textiles, using bold patterns and simple designs. As we celebrate the beauty and strength of our diverse identities, we also honour the rich history of cornrows and their contribution to our collective story. The understanding of our histories and shared experiences we become united, as people, as cultures, and to the earth.
Tafui is an independent artist and designer, originally from Kingston, Jamaica.
Come experience and Artist talk like no other you’ve experienced before.
See you there.
COBS Bread Bakery and JJ Bean Coffee Roasters for their support and catering of our exhibition reception.
Contact: totafui@gmail.com | info@seymourartgallery.com
Seymour Art Gallery
4360 Gallant Ave
North Vancouver, BC
Canada, V7G 1L2
Accessibility
The venue is accessible and includes a level entrance or ramp access to enter, an accessible washroom, and wide and unobstructed pathways within the interior.
©Images courtesy of Seymour Art Gallery
Related Content
