Meet the Artists 

Jessica Ilatoda, a 32-year-old Manchester-based artist, creates striking portraits using acrylic and charcoal. Her work explores African heritage and identity, celebrating the strength of African women. A self-taught artist, Jessica gained prominence with her 2017 solo exhibition Unmasking at Chuck Gallery.

Damaris Edey is an artist from Manchester, known for her vibrant love of the Black aesthetic. Her emotionally charged portraits celebrate the beauty and power of Black women, using expressive mixed media. Inspired by her Caribbean heritage, Damaris aims to empower others through her art, reflecting life's complexities and possibilities.

Balafaama is a Nigerian artist based in Manchester. Her work explores vulnerability, healing, and togetherness through portraiture. Exhibited nationally and internationally, she creates intimate works that reflect shared strength, comfort, and resilience.

Alisha is a Midlands-based painter inspired by African and Caribbean culture. Alisha’s work celebrates Black identity and heritage, using bright, vivid colours to convey themes of pride, resilience, and joy, while capturing the richness and vibrancy of these cultural traditions.

Nicole-Rose is a contemporary artist making textured, vibrant portraits & abstract work that explores identity, culture and belonging. Nicole-Rose’s work is about freedom, connection and celebrating who we are without needing to fit into anyone else’s mould.

Balafaama is a Nigerian artist based in Manchester. Her work explores vulnerability, healing, and togetherness through portraiture. Exhibited nationally and internationally, she creates intimate works that reflect shared strength, comfort, and resilience.