5 Artists 1 Love is an annual exhibition that celebrates the artistic vibrancy and range of Edmonton’s African-Canadian communities, from Angola to Zanzibar, Togo to Tobago, or Brazil to Barbados! This phenomenal art exhibition showcases the diversity of the African diaspora, promotes emerging and established artists, develops global African cultures and celebrates African-Canadian brilliance.
Now celebrating its 19th year, the exhibition once again showcases five African-Canadian artists, highlighting their unique style and vision arising from their global and local experience.
Organized by the Art Gallery of Alberta and 5 Artists 1 Love. Curated by Darren W. Jordan
Dara Ojo
Dara Ojo is a wildlife photographer specializing in revealing the hidden beauty of arthropods. His journey began in China, where he first explored the intricate world of insects during the pandemic. Since then, Dara has captured stunning macro images in diverse environments, from Alberta’s wild spaces to the vibrant jungles of Costa Rica.
Through his lens, Dara highlights often-overlooked creatures that play essential roles in our ecosystems, aiming to inspire curiosity and conservation. His work invites viewers to explore the world of the tiny but mighty.
Charlene Johnson
Charlene Johnson is an abstract expressionist painter from Edmonton, Alberta. After overcoming a period of artist's block, she discovered her passion for abstract art as a means of expressing her true emotions, which she had often suppressed due to the "strong black woman" stereotype. Through whimsical brushstrokes and dreamy pastels, Charlene disrupts this narrative, celebrating her femininity, joy, and delicate nature. Her work invites women of color to see themselves in her vibrant colors and energetic mark-making, encouraging them to embrace the complexities of their identities and recognize their existence as a powerful expression of beauty.
Jamelle Davis
Jamelle Davis, the self-taught artist behind JD Art, is an internationally recognized muralist and painter based in Edmonton. Known for his unique fusion of pop-art and realism, Jamelle’s work tells powerful stories of resilience and cultural heritage through bold colours and intricate details, inspired by his London, England upbringing. His clients include the City of Edmonton, the Downtown Business Association, and global brands like Converse and Footlocker. His murals, such as Della Notte and Casa Con I Colorí, have gained acclaim from Edmonton to Berlin’s RAW-Gelände, where JD’s work stands alongside street art legends on Europe’s renowned mural tour route.
Favour Olayinka Abimbola
Favour Olayinka Abimbola is a Nigerian-Canadian artist whose creative journey began in Nigeria and has flourished since her move to Canada in 2016. Working with conte, oil pastels, and acrylics, her art is recognized for its vibrant colors, bold contrasts, and expressive energy. Inspired by traditional Nigerian art and her love for storytelling, Favour’s work explores themes of connection, culture, and shared experiences. Her pieces have been featured at venues such as the Winspear Centre, Lumen Christian School, and the Garneau Theatre, captivating audiences with their vivid imagery and heartfelt expression.
Jabari Broodhagen
Jabari Broodhagen is a Canadian-born visual artist of Jamaican and Barbadian heritage, based in Edmonton, Alberta. His work explores identity and representation through bold colors and a mix of acrylic, graphite, charcoal, and aerosol. With a passion for visual storytelling, Jabari continues to evolve his art, immersing viewers in vivid depictions of Black Canadian history and culture.