Kwane Delfish was recently invited by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authourity to the inaugural Antigua and Barbuda ArtWeek, held at various locations around the twin-island state as well as the Verc C. Bird International Airport, showcasing the work of a plethora of artists based on the island and some from its diaspora, as Delfish, who was the lone Canadian invitee.
Born in Toronto of parents from A&B and Montserrat, the hair artist, designer and visual artist has distinguished himself by designing two coins for the Royal Canadian Mint in the last seven years, the only African-Canadian to do so.
Delfish was thankful for the opportunity and told the media and publich that he was "honoured to be... in the ..Antigua and Barbuda Artweek, dedicated to showcasing the brilliant and creative minds that the country has to offer is not only important for increased awareness-it fosters a safe and necessary space cor continuous conversations to be had about the impact of our art on our community. I believe that Artweek will be a powerful vessel through which individuals can be inspired by engaging with artists, learning more about a plethora of artistic mediums, and in turn, become empowered to digdeeper into their own creativity-all while connecting to our rich culture. This type of experience is invaluable and critical to increased understanding of the intersections between art, culture and community..."
"...I look forward to being in Antigua and Barbuda to share my experiences as an artist but more importantly, to learn from my peers as we work collaboratively to inspire our community and a region for generations to come."
Delfish designed his first coin for the Royal Mint in 2015, a silver $10 coin to commemorate the role of Black Canadian soldiers, especially those of the all-Black unit the Number 2 Construction Batallion; then in February 2023, a second limited edition $20 coin tribute to the Underground Railroad, a network facilitating slaves making their journey to Canada in the 1850s and 1860s helmed by abolisionist Harriet Tubman.
"The employees of the Royal Canadian Mint are proud to once again add to the national celebration of Black History Monthwith a beautiful silver cointhat brings the important story of the Underground Railroad to life", said Marie Lermay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint, "By remembering those who untertookthe long and risky journey to escapeslavery in the nineteenth century, as well as their brave and tireless guides, we are reminding ourselves that freeedom is one of our most enduring values."
The limited edition 5,500 $20 silver coins sell for ninety-nine dollars.
"This coin is meant to pay homage to the ancestral slaves that escaped to the North in search of freedom...Many did not get to complete the journey and faced the same hardships than they left behind. The ones that made it built their legacies and shaped the mosaic that Canada is today. My hope is that tyheir strength and courage is illustratedon this coin, and that I have sung their gospel".
Delfish will have a busy schedule for Antigua and Barbuda's very first Artweek with numerous exhibitions, talks, workshops and media appearances.
