A Nigerian artist with Caribbean experiences based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Daramfon Morgan was invited to create the latest header design for CBC East Coast “all in” — a monthly CBC newsletter featuring stories and ideas that reflect all the ways we’re different on the East Coast.
Daramfon on his inspiration:
This artwork is a vibrant representation of celebration and traditional festivities, a harmonious merger of my Nigerian and Caribbean experiences. Rooted in the cultural richness of both worlds, it captures the essence of the Nigerian Ibibio traditional dances of “Ekombi” and “Ebre” intertwined with the Bahamas Junkanoo celebration. The Bahamas Junkanoo, known for its energetic street parades, finds resonance with the lively and rhythmic performances of the Nigerian Ibibio dancers. The piece is a visual symphony celebrating the jubilant spirit of these festivals and is a testament to the shared joy, dance, and vibrant attire that characterize these cultural celebrations.
(Daramfon Morgan)
Get to know Daramfon
Who or what inspires you and why?
In my art, you’ll find a fusion of contemporary, abstract, and surreal elements, all viewed through the lens of an African and Caribbean perspective. It’s a reflection of the diverse influences that have shaped my identity, creating a unique narrative that resonates with those who share similar experiences of cultural intersectionality and diasporic living.
Daramfon Morgan (left) and Victor Nwaokpani (right), a member of 4IDEBEN, display African-influenced contemporary art. They were asked by HFX Signal to discuss how their work and upcoming mural will connect the BIPOC community. (Submitted by Christian Torstensen)
What do you enjoy most about living on the East Coast?
Living on the East Coast of Canada, particularly in Nova Scotia, over the past decade has been a profoundly enriching experience. Nova Scotia, along with the other Atlantic Provinces, offers a picturesque landscape that serves as a constant source of inspiration for my art. From the rugged coastline and expansive forests to the charming coastal villages, the East Coast provides a rich tapestry of scenes that often find their way into my digital creations.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
To be determined.
What is your motto?
“Art is an expression of life.” For me, this goes beyond mere aesthetics; it encapsulates the belief that art has the power to convey the depth and breadth of human experience. Every stroke, colour, and form in my creations is a deliberate attempt to capture the essence of life in its various facets.
This mural, titled “BLACK JOY,” is located at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront and was painted in collaboration with 4IDEBEN through the Downtown Halifax Business Commission “Gritty to Pretty” Grant. It is designed to show the impact of the African Nova Scotian community to the province through sports and recreation. (Stoo Metz)
What is your favourite wintertime/summertime activity on the East Coast?
I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the summer patio culture in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The city’s vibrant and lively atmosphere, coupled with its charming waterfront, creates an ideal setting for enjoying the warmer months.
What is your greatest extravagance?
My unapologetic love for travel is an indulgence that extends beyond the ordinary and transcends into a profound appreciation for diverse cultures, music, and culinary experiences. Travel is an investment in enriching my perspective and fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of humanity.
Who are your favourite artists?
I draw inspiration from a diverse array of artists, each contributing to the rich arrays of influences that shape my work. Among those whose artistic vision resonates with me are artists like 4ideben, with whom I frequently collaborate. Artists such as Peterson Churchill, Nessy Thomas, Jakes Escapes, Niyi Adeogun, Kawama Kasutu, Emily Clarke, Anisa Francoeur, and Neil Molloy also hold special places in my list of favourites. Each of them brings a distinctive perspective to the world of art, and I find myself drawn to their ability to convey emotion, tell stories, and capture the essence of their subjects in compelling ways.
From left to right, Jonathan Goldson, Victor Nwaokpani, and Daramfon Morgan, stand in front of their mural titled HALIFAX IN COLOR, created through the Downtown Halifax Business Commission “Gritty to Pretty” Grant. (Submitted by Stoo Metz)
What’s your favourite place to see art?
My favourite places to experience art are as diverse as the art itself. I have a profound appreciation for the dynamic and accessible nature of street art, particularly murals and wall paintings. Social media platforms serve as virtual galleries, allowing me to explore a vast and global array of artistic expressions. The immediacy and interconnectedness of online spaces enable me to engage with the work of fellow artists, discover emerging talents, and participate in a broader conversation about art.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My distinctive blend of Nigerian and Caribbean styles that infuse a unique flavour into my artwork. This blending technique is not just a visual amalgamation; it’s a deliberate and thoughtful integration that creates a cohesive narrative and adds a signature touch to my artistic style. The infusion of Nigerian and Caribbean elements is more than a stylistic choice—it’s a reflection of my personal journey and the diverse cultural influences that have shaped my identity.
Can you share a recent event or experience that gives you hope for positive change?
The collaboration between communities, service providers, and government to mobilize resources and aid during the recent extreme weather events was a beacon of hope and a testament to the collective efforts to address pressing social issues. The coordinated response reflected a shared commitment to supporting vulnerable populations.
What advice would you give your future self?
Stay consistent, persevere through challenges, and work hard — it’s the key to mastery. Believe that you’re meant for this journey and trust in your unique perspective. Amid the hustle, find joy in the process and celebrate your achievements. Remember, every step today shapes the artist you’ll become.
LONDON (AP) — With a few daubs of a paintbrush, the Brontë sisters have got their dots back.
More than eight decades after it was installed, a memorial to the three 19th-century sibling novelists in London’s Westminster Abbey was amended Thursday to restore the diaereses – the two dots over the e in their surname.
The dots — which indicate that the name is pronounced “brontay” rather than “bront” — were omitted when the stone tablet commemorating Charlotte, Emily and Anne was erected in the abbey’s Poets’ Corner in October 1939, just after the outbreak of World War II.
They were restored after Brontë historian Sharon Wright, editor of the Brontë Society Gazette, raised the issue with Dean of Westminster David Hoyle. The abbey asked its stonemason to tap in the dots and its conservator to paint them.
“There’s no paper record for anyone complaining about this or mentioning this, so I just wanted to put it right, really,” Wright said. “These three Yorkshire women deserve their place here, but they also deserve to have their name spelled correctly.”
It’s believed the writers’ Irish father Patrick changed the spelling of his surname from Brunty or Prunty when he went to university in England.
Raised on the wild Yorkshire moors, all three sisters died before they were 40, leaving enduring novels including Charlotte’s “Jane Eyre,” Emily’s “Wuthering Heights” and Anne’s “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.”
Rebecca Yorke, director of the Brontë Society, welcomed the restoration.
“As the Brontës and their work are loved and respected all over the world, it’s entirely appropriate that their name is spelled correctly on their memorial,” she said.
