Internship Feature: Fall–Winter 2024–2025
A project supported by the Manitoba Arts Council Indigenous 360 Program
Winnipeg in Black and White is a reflection on the textures, silences, and untold stories of a city seen through the lens of memory and belonging. Through this project, I sought to explore the spaces that make up Winnipeg—not as fixed landmarks but as living, breathing parts of a shared experience. Using black-and-white photography, I focused on the interplay between light, shadow, and composition, where the absence of color emphasizes the subtle emotions and rhythms embedded in the city’s everyday moments. Digital editing played a crucial role in this process, allowing me to enhance the contrasts, textures, and details of each image, further distilling the essence of what I saw and felt.
The images in this series are a meditation on what it means to be connected to a place. I was born here, but did not grow up here. From the quiet solitude of places like Qaumajuq to the intimate warmth of a local diner, each photograph invites the viewer to pause and reflect on the layers of meaning that often go unnoticed in every day life. The decision to work in monochrome was intentional—it allowed me to focus not just on what was in front of me, but on the deeper narratives of the space: the people, the histories, and the unseen energies that shape our environments.
In addition to the photographs, I have woven contemporary reflections and abstract captions into the work, creating a balance between visual documentation and poetic response. This series is not just about capturing what is visible, but about feeling the atmosphere, the presence, and the emotion of each moment.
Winnipeg in Black and White is an exploration of how Indigenous youth artists engage with urban spaces—using our unique perspectives to redefine how cities, memories, and stories are seen. It is a story told through light, rhythm, and silence, honouring both our individual and the collective journey.
