Celia Vernal

Celia, from CeliaCreates is a mixed media artist from Ontario, Canada. Her colourful pieces pay homage to the cultural melting pot of her city and Caribbean roots. Her works are inspired by street art, classical architecture and contemporary social issues. Through her works, she critiques and re-imagines our coexistence and individuality.

In the series of mixed media paintings called ‘Gladiators’ Celia’s socially concerned work is informed by the collective societal challenges faced by Black Canadians today. Through her work, she comments on challenges of justice, inequality and preparedness to face those challenges.

Utilizing acrylic paints, spray paint, charcoal, pastels, markers and collage, Celia’s figures are typically anonymous looking, yet very attuned to the social realities and hardships experienced by Black Canadians in urban environments. With close attention, Celia’s figurative paintings also reveal moments of pride, frustration, and elevation. 

Celia’s distinctive visual technique takes on layering and pops of texture. Much of the Gladiator series is a mashup of urban settings with classical Roman architectural elements behind her figures. The modern gladiators are prepared to fight for the culture and the future.