Local artist creates art platform for Black children and youth
Local artist Kiki Symoné poses in the middle of Art Windsor-Essex. Photo courtesy of: Kiki Symoné.
A local artist has created a platform where Black children and youth can share their artwork.
Kiki Symoné, a Black artist herself whose artworks depict the everyday life of Black communities, launched the online platform artdealerkids in 2021 on Instagram and on her website, artdealerchick.ca.
According to Symoné, the platform creates a space of opportunities for the younger generation.
“This platform is used to open avenues for Black kids and youth to realize the right to their expression,” said Symoné. “By supporting them, we created more opportunities to put their minds to proper use, which will help them build confidence and recognize their unlimited potential.”
She said the idea originated from a dream.
“In the dream I opened an art gallery and to my surprise, it was a gallery for kids and youths,” said Symoné. “After praying long and hard about it, I decided to see this idea through because this was a platform that I needed as a young Black girl growing up with a passion for art.”
The platform is open to children and youth ages 8-24. Symoné said kids who submitted their masterpieces are mostly African-American or African-Canadian.
“All the submitted pieces mean so much to me and so do the kids,” said Symoné. “It shows promise in the next generations of Black artists who are hungry and motivated. Seeing their passion for art reminds me of myself when I was their age or younger. Watching them develop confidence in their craft truly inspires me.”
Various works of art were submitted such as acrylic paintings on canvas, clay sculptures, photos and digital arts among others. She said the online platform has received about 100 art pieces.
Digital art entitled Daddy’s Love by Ashtyn Smith. Photo courtesy of: Ashtyn Smith.
Ashtyn Smith, an African-American digital artist, benefited from the platform.
“It has not only made me feel more confident about displaying my art to the public, but it has also opened new doors for me such as major commissioned projects and entries into visual arts competitions,” said Smith.
The 17-year-old portrait artist added she is grateful for the platform because people’s reactions and comments fueled her passion to keep sharing her work.
Wassa Bagayoko stands next to her mixed acrylic and collage artwork Shining. Photo courtesy of: Wassa Bagayoko.
New York-based visual artist Wassa Bagayoko also gained confidence in her artwork through artdealerkids.
“It honestly has given me the courage to display and share my art with strangers,” said Bagayoko.
“I feel really proud of myself. I did something I wouldn’t ordinarily do and really enjoyed it. Kiki has done such a good job of curating different kinds of art from such a wide range of artists and crafted a beautiful gallery.”
February is Black History Month. Visit artdealerchick.ca and instagram.com/artdealerkids to see more works of art.
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