Tamia McPherson collaborated on “See Me Through” mural through When Roots Meet Water program at Nia Centre for the Arts
Pictured above: See Me Through mural
University of Guelph-Humber (U of GH) Media & Communication Studies student Tamia McPherson is taking her creativity beyond the classroom, into an art project exploring the history, art, and resistance around Black men’s relationship with their hair.
The third-year student contributed to a photo mural called “See Me Through,” where she collaborated with nine other artists through When Roots Meet Water, which is a program at the Nia Centre for the Arts in Toronto – a charitable arts organization that aims to uplift Black artists and youth through creating artistic programs and spaces for expression. The project was led by McPherson’s mentor, Anthony Gebrehiwot (also known as TonyxTones).
McPherson contributed three images to mural, including one of her father and his journey growing locs. Through her photography, she wants viewers to learn that hair represents personal growth, knowledge, and the experiences of Black men.
“The project was a vulnerable, yet amazing experience. It required me to do a lot of reflecting on who I was, who I wanted to be, and how my experiences have shaped me,” she said. “I was able to integrate my lived experiences with my creativity to tell a rich story.”
McPherson’s relationship with her father and in Black identity are the driving force of her photos. The images are also a celebration of “the quiet strength and tenderness that often goes unseen” in life.
“Watching [my father] begin his loc journey later in life was a vulnerable and transformative moment for both of us as it changed how I saw him, Black men as a whole, and myself. I felt it was important to use this project to honour Black men’s hair, as it symbolizes growth, trust, and expression,” she shared.
Moreover, she said that when she began to witness her father at 38 years old shift his life’s focus to finding himself and navigating his identity as a father, he grew his hair.
“For [Black men], their hair sees them through so many vulnerable stages in their lives, builds them up, and strengthens their sense of self and perspective,” McPherson said.
Overall, this project allowed McPherson to explore and experiment with photography on a deeper level and get in touch with herself as a creative.
Tamia McPherson’s photos can be found in the mural at the Nia Centre for the Arts located at 524 Oakwood Avenue in Toronto.
Through U of GH’s Media & Communication Studies program, students gain transferable hands-on skills and academic theory about producing impactful content, just like McPherson. Learn more about the program here.
