Raphael Victor Ezeano is a learner at heart. Every poem, piece of music, and conversation comes from a place of curiosity, driven by his belief that there is always more to understand. His work is an ongoing journey, where each creation is never fully complete, as learning is a lifelong process. Grateful for every opportunity to share his insights, Raphael values the engagement of those who read or listen, recognizing that each interaction contributes to his personal and creative growth.

Instagram: @v_creative_u

Ola Bolarinwa is a contemporary master of hyperrealism, a genre that blurs the lines between reality and illusion. Originally from Nigeria and now based in Edmonton, Ola’s passion for realism began with his love for anime characters, which sparked his journey into hyperrealism during the early stages of the pandemic. Self-taught, Ola honed his technical skills to create lifelike art that challenges the perception of reality. His work, featured at the Art Gallery of Alberta for Black History Month, has earned critical acclaim for its ability to transcend the boundaries of the physical world.

Instagram: @ola4rever

Latifat Busari is a storyteller from the Yorùbá people, whose raw, personal poetry reflects both their experiences and the history of their people. Their work, exploring themes of identity and struggle, has been featured in anthologies like Ink Movement’s and Rage Zine, as well as in the University of Alberta Fine Arts Gallery and at events like the Black Student Association Gala. Latifat’s poetry speaks truth without sugarcoating, helping others feel seen through its honest depiction of the human experience.

Instagram: @_queenteefah_

AJA Louden, a Jamaican-Canadian artist based in Edmonton, explores power, identity, and community through mark-making, installations, and textiles. Drawing inspiration from science fiction, history, and his experience growing up Black in the prairies, AJA’s work is rooted in both personal and collective narratives. His art has been showcased across Alberta, including the 2024 solo exhibition Prairie Star Deck at the Alberta Craft Discovery Gallery. AJA also has an upcoming solo show at C2 Centre for Craft in Winnipeg in 2025.

Instagram: @ajalouden

Diana Ohiozebau, a mixed media abstract artist from Edmonton, draws inspiration from her African heritage to explore identity, culture, and social dynamics. She blends natural and synthetic fabrics with acrylics to create striking hybrid works. Diana’s art has been showcased in notable exhibitions like RISE Emerging Artists and Edmonton Design Week. She is also passionate about community engagement, offering workshops and collaborating on inclusive murals that enrich and strengthen the community.

Instagram: @accessmystudio

Macha Abdallah is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Edmonton, known for her expressive work in acrylic, digital, and mixed media. Drawing from her Christian faith and cultural themes, Macha creates art that reflects the beauty of both the sacred and everyday life. Her public art projects, such as the Lulu Lane alley mural and city centre LRT Dignity Mural, exemplify her belief in the power of art to uplift and beautify the world.

Instagram: @art.by.macha

Merlin Uwalaka is a multidisciplinary artist and environmental economist who blends sustainable design with African heritage and nature. Through NDIDI Design, he creates thought-provoking works that foster connection to both the environment and community. His projects, which include sustainable designs, nature photography, and workshops, aim to inspire growth, healing, and reflection, inviting audiences to reconnect with nature and themselves.

Instagram: @acityofladies