#TBT: Nikoiya Wile
As we delve into Throwback Thursday this week, we are proud to shine a spotlight on artist Nikoiya Wile, currently showing work in throughlines: 2024 Juried Members’ Exhibition. A Black and Indigenous woman, Nikoiya seamlessly weaves her life and art together, creating a narrative deeply intertwined with her identity here on Turtle Island.
From a young age, Nikoiya's cultural roots guided her toward creativity and a profound connection with the land. Her childhood was a tapestry of community, family, place, and home, woven and beaded together, shaping the artist she would become.
Homecoming, 2023, acrylic on canvas
Homecoming, Nikoiya’s throughlines contribution, tackles the complexities of connection and belonging while facing the struggle of not fitting in. Inspired by a photograph taken on 35mm film, Nikoiya’s 16” x 12” acrylic painting is a mesmerizing transformation. The painting reflects a pivotal moment when the illusion of a tight-knit community began to dissipate, revealing the unwillingness of the people around her to make space for her in the same way. Nikoiya underscores the unfortunate reality of Black and Brown voices being so often overlooked in important conversations.
Amidst the challenges of the COVID era, community became a vivid focal point for Nikoiya. Settling in Montreal, she and her roommates recreated the ambiance of a coffee shop in their living room. As her roommates worked diligently on assignments, Nikoiya found solace in creating art. This makeshift coffee shop became a sacred space for both creativity and community, proving that even during difficult times, art and shared experiences can bring people together.
Throwback Thursdays typically invite us to reflect on past events, but Black History Month encourages us to consider how we create history every day. Nikoiya's perspective transcends time, envisioning a future steeped in Black Futurism, Black Dreams, and Black Joy. She reminds us that our daily actions carry the essence of our ancestors, living vicariously through us.
When asked about her future, Nikoiya shares her commitment to community-based work, public art, and engagement with racialized youth. Her vision extends beyond the gallery walls, aspiring to contribute to inclusivity and empowerment.
As we celebrate Throwback Thursdays and Black History Month, let us not only reflect on the past with nostalgia but also recognize the ongoing creation of history, led by inspiring individuals like Nikoiya Wile. Through her art, she invites us to dream of a future where diversity is celebrated, voices are heard, and joy knows no bounds.
Image Description: Nikoiya Wile looks into the camera, her legs crossed while seated on a floral-patterned couch. Nikoiya’s curly hair is tied back with a colorful kokum scarf (also known in Ukraine as a babushka scarf). A selection of paintings hangs on the wall behind her.
~ Zwena Gray, Artspace Communications and Engagement Coordinator
