Odeh, Ehiko (2025) - Untitled Series [Toronto Food Stories] [Wood block print] ©Government of Ontario Art Collection, Archives of Ontario
Ehiko Odeh is a multidisciplinary artist originally from Lagos, Nigeria, currently working and living in Toronto, Canada. She delves into multiple forms of material experimentation like; painting, collage-making, and textile, her creative exploration journey is deeply intertwined with her spiritual beliefs and a profound sense of playfulness exploring themes of decolonization, coiffure, ethnobotany, memory, and play.
This cyanotype series on wood panels delves into the history of Black youth farmers who, under the guidance of Solomon Boye, laid the groundwork for Black Creek Community Farm. Under Solomon Boye’s mentorship, Black youth from the Jane and Finch community undertook the arduous task of clearing the land primarily by hand, relying heavily on their physical labor due to limited access to machinery. I pay homage to these pioneering individuals and underscore the significance of respecting their contributions to establishing this vital urban agriculture project.
Each panel is achieved using the sun-based cyanotype process that resonates with the farm’s commitment to sustainable practises and its connection to the natural world. The choice of natural materials reflects my desire to create a visual dialogue between the history I explore and the organic essence of Black Creek Community Farm. Through this series, I want to spark a conversation about the often-overlooked role Black communities have played in Toronto’s food system.