Kuumba Artist Feature: Zoë Edwards
Harbourfront Centre’s Kuumba festival is spotlighting a different Black artist each day of February. Today we’re sharing the story of Zoë Edwards.
As a child, Zoë Edwards often frequented Harbourfront Centre. Her mum would bring her there and together they would go to see concerts and take part in many other activities. In particular, she remembers the Milk International Children’s Festival of the Arts, which, while no longer running, used to expose youth to wonderful cultural programming tailored to their age. Harbourfront Centre held, and continues to hold, a special place in her heart. She came back as an adult, to join the School Visits team as an educator, teaching schoolchildren about dance and sharing small parts of herself through her craft.
Pursuing dance with confidence and love for her craft is one of Zoë’s greatest achievements. She knows that not everybody finds their passion in life. Some wander around all their lives searching for something to commit their lives to, but she knows what she wants and who she is. She also knows the challenges of being an artist. “What I do find strange is some people’s refusal to see the value in art, and their ignorance of the amount of time, practice and grit that is required out of any artist, regardless of the method. That being said, I do think things are shifting as people realize that they are constantly turning to art in times of pain and chaos.” She hopes that institutional leaders and brands realize that artists can’t eat “exposure” and deserve real compensation.
Zoë finds inspiration in other artists, regardless of what medium they work in. There is something special about seeing how another person’s brain works, how they express themselves. She takes a community-oriented approach to celebrating other people’s work. Rather than focussing too much on specific individuals, she believes that we should all be inspired by one another and then take this inspiration to grow, so that people can be their own heroes, with support from others. “However, I will say that the Black women I have in my life, friends and family, are so powerful. Watching them execute their goals and dreams is absolutely amazing,” she says.
She admits to having particular admiration for Canadian dancer Esie Mensah. Zoë was one of 14 Black female dancers within Esie’s new new short film, A Revolution of Love. Zoë adds, “Her work is often centred around sharing her voice as a Black woman through movement, and she does this so unapologetically. If you don’t know who she is, look her up.”
When not dancing, Zoë models. Her Instagram (@zojanelle) is filled with arresting photos in which she shows off her poise. As with her dance, she’s carved out a space for herself in fashion, modelling for notable brands like Glossier, Comme des Garçons and MOB Beauty.
Zoë Edwards is a professional dance artist and freelance model based here in Toronto. She most recently was a featured artist in FreeUp! Emancipation Day 2020, a CBC special celebrating Black Canadian artists. You can also see Zoë dancing in Esie Mensah’s new short film A Revolution of Love, being featured through Toronto History Museums. You can find her work on her Instagram (@zojanelle) and website (zoedwards.squarespace.com).
