By day, she is a Criminal Justice and Public Policy student at the University of Guelph. But when class is over, Ethieoghena Iluebbey can be found experimenting with new works of art, one of which is now being used for the University’s Black History Month campaigns.
“I was inspired by our theme for this year: All in our Blackness: Our Legacies, Our Stories, Our Future,” says Ethieoghena, who won a U of G art contest that selected student-designed graphics for the University’s Black History Month events and promotions.
“I wanted to incorporate different walks of life of Black people. I referenced traditional attire from Africa and the Caribbean, incorporated music. I chose to have a child doing her doll’s hair to reflect the importance of having a doll with the same hair texture.”
Born in Nigeria, Ethieoghena came to Canada when she was just two years old and grew up in Toronto. When it came time to pick universities, U of G was always her first choice.
But it was during a candle-making class with Cultural Diversity Services and The African Students Association (TASA) – learning how sustainable crafting intersects with racial justice, wellness and entrepreneurship – when Ethieoghena realized U of G was the right place for her.
“These events are very important not just for Black students, but for other students to learn more about Black history,” Ethieoghena says. “As a bonus: they usually have food.”
Criminal justice student wins BHM art contest
A self-taught artist, Ethieoghena began drawing in Grade 3, tracing from cartoons.
She then moved on to learn anatomy and draw from references, studying colour theory before branching out into mixed media, watercolour and, more recently, oil paint.
Now a fourth-year undergraduate at U of G, Ethieoghena is an executive at the Guelph Black Student Association (GBSA), heavily involved in planning events with GBSA, TASA and Orientation Week.
Soon, she will lead the Together Art Workshop, where students will paint textiles and sew their art together into a piece presented at the Art Gallery of Guelph.
Though she didn’t have much experience with digital art, she experimented with a few tools to find the one that led to her win.
“It’s very exciting to have my artwork used in this way,” says Ethieoghena.
What’s next for Ethieoghena Iluebbey
Art is just one of many passions for Ethieoghena. Proving any path is possible at U of G, she plans to pursue law school or a master’s degree upon graduation.
And when asked what advice she’d pass on to incoming or first-year Gryphons, she urges them to go to office hours – they actually work, she says – and take the pressure off making friends right away.
“Don’t be afraid to go to places by yourself,” says Ethieoghena. “In my first year, I went to every event by myself. It’s good to have friends, but it’s not going to happen as soon as you start first year. It takes a while.”
“We’re excited to showcase the work that Ethieoghena Iluebbey has created while pursuing a wide range of interests during her academic studies,” says Kathryn Hofer, director of Student Experience. “Representation plays an important role in how Black history and culture are reflected on campus, and this contest was created to feature artwork by a member of the Black community at U of G.”
Learn more about Black History Month events at U of G.