Talking about us, sharing us, buying from black artists.

#BlmArtists

Oct. 23

Lana Denina

What does the MTL #BLM street mural mean to you? How was your experience creating this outstanding art piece with various Montreal artists?

It is a powerful way to spread a message in a unique way. It was an amazing opportunity to create such a huge piece of art made with so many different artists of different styles. I feel very blessed for being part of this piece.

Can you tell us about your creative process or your practice? Is there a main message you want to communicate when creating your art? If yes, what is it?

My art is for everyone that wants to see themselves in it. I want my community to feel seen and heard.

How did you come up with the idea for the artwork of your letter on the Mtl #BLM street mural and can you help us understand its meaning ? And where do you see your art going: what are some of your dreams/goals, short or long term?

I was given the letter A, I painted blocks of different bright colors with a string all around connected to a heart. It is a symbol of unity and diversity.

How has the current social crisis (COVID & BLM) impacted your career and your art or creative process? Do you think art plays a role in the fight against racial inequality and police brutality?

Covid made the sharing of my art duplicate for an unknown reason which can be seen as a blessing. Everyone is on social media which is one of the best platform for an artist to be known. The BLM disturbed me a lot, it was a lot of information and emotions to process which affected me in my creative process. It was hard to paint again seeing such sad events but it made me want to keep going even harder.

About Lana Denina

Lana Denina Cohen-Solal also called Lana Denina is a Montreal based painter of Beninese and French origin. Her art explores human relationships, morphological diversity and body movements. Combining digital art and painting, she illustrates the different cultures that surround her by taking a unique and personal approach. She believes in the representation of people of colour in contemporary art, more particularly black culture.

The Creative Team

Never Was Average (NWA)

We are human connectors and culture makers facilitating social change through the power of conversation, community and culture.

Nous sommes des connecteurs et des créateurs de culture qui facilitent l'impact social grâce au pouvoir de la conversation, de la communauté et de la culture.

https://neverwasaverage.com