Appreciating the StFX Art Gallery’s Newest Exhibit: There is No One Story of Black Girlhood

Students looking to experience a unique and immersive display of artwork need to look no further than the second floor of Mulroney Hall.

In line with Black History Month’s desire to highlight and make space for Black Canadians, the art exhibit “There is No One Story of Black Girlhood” showcases a collection of Rebecca Fisk’s eleven self-portraits highlight the achievements, stories, and culture of African Nova Scotians.

While she was born in Calgary, Rebecca Fisk grew up just a few hours from Antigonish in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. Fisk’s self-portraits reflect her experience growing up in a rural, predominantly white community. In one piece, Fisk looks defiantly at the viewer and pulls apart an oreo, presumably in reference to the disparaging slang “oreo” which Fisk describes as “a term used to describe someone who is thought of as being black on the outside and white on the inside.” In another piece, Fisk is again looking directly at the audience and enjoying a bite of watermelon in a piece titled “Watermelon in the Afternoon.” Again, Fisk subverts a racist trope and calls out the tremendous social and historical weight placed on black children.

Throughout Fisk’s self-portraits, there is a theme of resilience in the face of stereotypes, racism, and isolation growing up as a young black girl in rural Nova Scotia. According to the artist, this project is “a cathartic [...confrontation] of the racial prejudice that I have experienced in a healthy way. [...] The images also confront the viewer, forcing them to question their own biases.”

Fisk received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from NSCAD in 1992 and went on to earn her master’s in fine arts from the University of Saskatchewan in 1997. Fans of her work can find it all over Nova Scotia, as it has been exhibited in the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Lunenburg Academy, and the Dalhousie Art Gallery. Interestingly, Fisk is a High School art teacher in Chester Basin, Nova Scotia.

The exhibit is being held from February 9th to March 25th in the StFX Art Gallery (located on the second floor of Mulroney Hall) during the afternoons Wednesday to Friday. There is no need to make an appointment or pay an admission fee, but visitors are strongly encouraged to wear masks while visiting the gallery.

On Thursday, February 16th, students are welcome to attend a zoom webinar and hear Fisk comment on her work and intended messaging. More information on how to access the link are available on the StFX Art Gallery website. Additionally, special thanks are due to the Jeannine Deveau Education Equity Endownment Fund and Harley and Wendy MacCaull for sponsoring the exhibition.

It goes without being said that the importance of appreciating Black artwork and artists endures beyond the month of February. By reserving a space solely for Black artists and their artwork, the community and student body gain an appreciation for the rich culture and strength of the Black community that hopefully serves as a springboard for further interest throughout the rest of the year.

The exhibit “There is No One Story of Black Girlhood” is a testament to the importance, beauty, and uniqueness of Black artwork. If you happen to have even thirty minutes to spare between midterms, be sure to check it out.