Gary Weekes

Culture Farmers Culture Farming 🕛📐

We, (Thandiwe McCarthy, Mary Louise McCarthy and myself) recently had a wonderful interview about our Still Here Initiative with CBC’s Colleen Kitts-Goguen. We talked about how this important Still Here: Preserving Our Legacy Book and Exhibition came about, and how impactful the journey has been for us. ❤️ Listen to us: https://r.pebmac.ca/https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-25-information-morning-fredericton/clip/16198634-still-here-preserving-our-legacy?fbclid=IwY2xjawQSxnRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA80Mzc2MjYzMTY5NzM3ODgAAR49Hk41jLqcuYnIYUxrF_dX1zKYFt7ujSMHkmVEH9fweMPOp7Vbmnb-z-FXdg_aem_s-vl7nZ_RBdH-ie88CwoSw As an added bonus, I must be the first photographer interviewed that has one of his photos of a CBC Host (Jeanne Armstrong) leading the story…Surreal! 🤣

Artist Talk: Gary Weekes - Trayces Date: February 5th 2026 5–7 PM (Snow date: February 6th 5-7pm) Location: UNB Art Centre, West Gallery, Memorial Hall Description: Join artist Gary Weekes for an in-depth conversation about the making of Trayces. Discover the creative inspirations behind the work, the photographic and sculptural processes involved, and the cultural influences that shaped this series. This session creates space for dialogue about representation, artistry, and the stories carried through Black skin

Celebrating “Slabtown” by Dr Darlene M Strong at Strong Art Paintings. A wonderful person and artist with a beautiful book! 👏🏽👏🏽

I’m honoured to be apart of this powerful and necessary exhibition @unb.art.centre @garysweekes work invites us to confront a brutal truth of history— how violence was used as spectacle to enforce slavery and silence resistance. In my own image, I wear gold in my hair to honour members of African royal lineages who were also captured, enslaved, and subjected to the same systems of dehumanization. It’s a reminder that slavery did not begin with “peasants” —it disrupted nations, families, leaders and futures. They chose to be a part of this exhibit because art has always been one of our strongest tools for truth-telling. These conversations are uncomfortable. They’re controversial. But they are necessary. We don’t heal what we refuse to acknowledge. This exhibition connects deeply with my stage play The Price Of Freedom which I’ll be bringing to Fredericton this summer. The play tells the true story of John Anderson—a formerly enslaved man who fled to Canada and whose 1860 extradition case reshaped Canadian law and judicial independence. Anderson’s story reminds us that freedom has always been fought for, defended, and paid for at a high cost. His resistance wasn’t just personal—it shifted legal history and affirms that Black lives were worth protecting under Canadian courts. That legacy matters right now. We’ve come along way—but we still have a long way to go. As we witness what’s happening in the United States today—families torn apart from ICE raids, and the continued killing of innocent people—it’s clear that freedom is not a finished project. Justice is not guaranteed. Progress must be protected. This exhibit is about memory. The Price of Freedom is about courage. Both ask the same question: What do we do with the lessons of history? I’m grateful to God for the opportunity to stand in this moment, to collaborate with courageous artists and to help carry these stories forward. Thankful for the responsibility to educate while we create. Please come experience the exhibition at UNB Art Gallery— and I look forward to seeing Fredericton this summer when The Price Of Freedom arrives. #blackcanadianhistory #socialjusticeart #ice #priceoffreedom

TRAYCES is my new exhibition featuring beautiful portraiture, uniquely presented to; support, enjoy and promote meaningful conversation. Opening Night is Friday, January 23rd 2026 @ 5pm - 7pm

COME SEE “TRAYCES” - MY NEW EXHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHY !!! OPENS JANUARY 23rd 2026 (5pm - 7pm) The UNB Art Centre and the UNB Human Rights and Equity Office present two powerful exhibitions for Black History Month �The UNB Art Centre, in partnership with the UNB Human Rights and Equity Office, is proud to present two powerful exhibitions that invite our community to reflect, engage, and celebrate Black identity and heritage. Trayces, an exhibition by Gary Weekes, is a striking visual narrative exploring Black skin, memory, and cultural lineage. Through portraits crafted with transparent vinyl and aluminum baking trays, the exhibition draws inspiration from West African scarification traditions to examine identity, beauty, and the marks we carry. This exhibition will include ambient electronic music by Mike Lukaszuk (Department of Culture and Media Studies)." Alongside Trayces, the UNB Art Centre continues its annual Black History Month project: Rediscovering the Roots of Black New Brunswickers, honouring notable Black New Brunswickers who have fought, and continue to fight, for equality in the face of prejudice and discrimination. This ongoing research initiative adds new faces and stories each year, bringing their portraits to the streets of Fredericton throughout February. Banners along Westmorland and Regent Streets stand as a public tribute to their achievements and enduring contributions to shaping contemporary New Brunswick. Three special events will accompany these exhibitions, creating opportunities for deeper reflection and dialogue: Opening Reception Date: January 23, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. (Snow date: January 30, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.)�Location: UNB Art Centre, East & West Galleries, Memorial Hall

Bronson Acquin-Mandisodza is a Black and Indigenous dancer who has paid his bills for the last 10 years fishing for lobster and scallops out in the Bay of Fundy. Yes, that sentence means that Bronson is about 50 French words away from being the most New Brunswick person living today. It also means he is rooted in a heritage and several practices that have been pillars of thriving in this land for thousands of years. Read Thandiwe McCarthy’s @the1blackpoet magnificent interview with Bronson exclusively in [EDIT] with stunning photographs by Gary Weekes @garysweekes .

Canada has a long history of Black servicemembers. From the Black Loyalists in the Revolutionary War to the No. 2 Construction Battalion of the First World War, there is no shortage of individuals of African descent willing to serve their country. Cliff Tshibungu is no exception. Originally from Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he has been in the Canadian Armed Forces for over seven years and has reached the rank of corporal. He is also the Atlantic region representative for the Defence Team Black Employee Network. DBTEN is responsible for mentorship, the fostering of a sense of community and recognition of Black excellence, among other critical services for Black servicemembers. This key initiative is doing important work, as often our greatest heroes go uncelebrated. Tshibungu’s service has extended beyond standard military duties as he was responsible for organizing the first Black history event at the 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown, Canada’s second largest military base. Thandiwe McCarthy @the1blackpoet meets Corporal Cliff Tshibungu exclusively for [EDIT] magazine. Photographs by Gary Weekes @garysweekes . “My personal journey, which includes experiences of homelessness, racism and neglect, underscores the importance of values such as self-worth, education, empowerment, empathy and unity.” Cliff Tshibungu

It’s finally here! “Still Here: Preserving Our Legacy” is now available for preorder through our fantastic publisher Gooselane Editions: /products/still-here?_pos=1&_psq=still+here&_ss=e&_v=1.0 Purchase your copy and join Dr Mary Louise McCarthy, Thandiwe McCarthy and myself on this wonderful adventure that has been over 4 years in the making. We’ve travelled and laughed together throughout New Brunswick; met 15 beautiful Black families who chose us to share their stories and histories through: Archival Documents, Poetry and Photography. Each moment spent with the families included in our book was memorable; the hugs, conversations and food exchanged was unforgettable. The love that I was allowed to capture was palpable… We are also making this Still Here book a beautiful exhibition at: The Beaverbrook Art Gallery July 18th 2026 - December 13th 2026 OUR EXHIBITION & BOOK LAUNCH AUGUST 1ST 2026 STAY TUNED!!!! I do hope you enjoy our book just as much as we loved making it! 😀❤️

Just starting my UNB Media Artist in Residence today with thanks to Sophie Lavoie and her staff at UNB’s Culture and Media Studies. I’m here until May 1st 2026, so looking for: Life Models Subjects for Portraits Cultural Ideas Please contact me: [email protected] I’d love to take your picture!