Spectrum

Embracing, and valuing diverse cultures is essential for building a more harmonious society. By celebrating and promoting inclusivity, we also celebrate humanity. When I think of humanity, I like to think of compassion, kindness, understanding, and the ability to love. To have and show humanity, is to be socially and emotionally intelligent. We must use this intelligence to spread love and be good examples in our community and abroad. I hope that this exhibition can help educate and build cultural appreciation and provide representation for those who seek it, especially children in the school system. My personal goal as a makeup artist was to express artistic vision in my industry. It is an art form through the use of both colors, styles and designs. Make up also has cultural significance. It has been used for thousands of years—in ancient civilizations, in rituals, ceremonies and cultural practices. To me, makeup is art. It is empowering and it brought so many of us together to celebrate.

I am thankful for the support of my community.

This exhibition included 20 multicultural-volunteer models who are first or second generation Canadians (they have immigrated to Canada or their parents have). The makeup applications were creative, original and were inspired by each model’s individual heritage. Models are representing countries such as South Korea, Nigeria, Denmark, Cameroon, Sri Lanka, Iran, Syria, France, Egypt etc., to name a few.

This unique exhibition combines art, culture, beauty and a multitude of reasons to call Thunder Bay home.

Prints were not for sale by the artist. All funds and donations that were collected were donated to the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association’s programming, which aims to support refugees in Thunder Bay. The TBMA provides a range of immediate and essential settlement and orientation support to people who arrive in Canada as Government Assisted Refugees.