Esmaa Mohamoud

Esmaa Mohamoud (Canadian, b. 1992), is a Toronto-based, African Canadian multidisciplinary artist working in photography, sculpture, installation, and performance, whose work investigates Black body politics. She holds a BFA from Western University (2014) and an MFA from OCAD University (2016). She has recently exhibited at the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts Montreal. Upcoming exhibitions include: To the Hoop: Basketball and Contemporary Art, Weatherspoon Art Museum, UNCG, Greensboro (NC, USA); Garmenting: Costume and Contemporary Art, Museum of Arts and Design, New York; and Aliens with Extraordinary Abilities, MacKenzie Art Gallery, Regina (SK, Canada). In 2021–23, Esmaa Mohamoud: To Play In The Face of Certain Defeat, will travel to the Art Gallery of Hamilton, the Art Gallery of Ottawa, and the Winnipeg Art Gallery from the organizing venue, Museum London (London, ON). Mohamoud is represented by Georgia Scherman Projects.

Esmaa Mohamoud
Esmaa Mohamoud, The Brotherhood FUBU (For Us, By Us), installation at Westin Harbour Castle Conference Centre, Toronto 2021. Courtesy of the artist, Georgia Scherman Projects and CONTACT. Photo: Toni Hafkenscheid

From the Archives

  • 2022 / core / outdoor

    Esmaa Mohamoud
    The Brotherhood FUBU (For Us, By Us)

    Westin Harbour Castle , Harbour Square Park
    Jun 10,  2021–Apr 30,  2024
    Focusing on the physical connection between Black male bodies by amplifying the symbol of the du-rag, Esmaa Mohamoud confronts the dynamics of gender and race. Both of the components of her two-part commissioned project—a massive photographic mural on Bay Street, unveiled in June 2021 and on view until April 30, 2024, and a bronze sculpture installed at nearby Harbour Square Park, unveiled in September 2022 and on view until September 15, 2025—assert a commanding occupation of public space. Foregrounding the powerful symbol of the du-rag, the Toronto- and Markham-based artist opens a dialogue about systemic inequity, while signalling positive change.
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