Ava Jasmine Dedier debut art collection celebrates African heritage and cultural beauty
February 24, 2025
While driving six years ago, Ava Jasmine Dedier asked her dad what she could do with art.
“I told her to look around and that everything she sees comes from a creative concept in someone’s mind,” Robert Dedier said. “Somebody started with a plan and then an engineer produced a design to make it real. At that moment, I saw a light go off in her head. It was like, ‘Wow, I can actually do this’.”
Reassured that art takes many shapes and is a sustainable career beyond being a passion, the teenager retreated to her canvas to create.
“She went into a room and drew for many hours,” said her father who is a music producer. “Whenever asked what she will do with art, her answer is, ‘Create’.”
Realizing that art is more than just a hobby, Dedier poured her soul into her work.
“I stayed up late at night, sketching out ideas too big to keep bottled up,” she recalled. “It wasn’t easy, but it felt like I was finally starting to figure out who I am and how I wanted to show up in the world. Over the years, I have thrown myself into learning, experimenting and growing as an artist. I have explored many styles, honed my skills and found my niche. In addition, I found my purpose which is to create for those who feel unseen, to celebrate the beauty of differences and to remind the world that art has the power to connect us all.”
While viewing art exhibitions at museums across Canada, Dedier didn’t see herself reflected in the works of the artists showcased.
“Jasmine thought there was a big gap between old and young artists and she wanted to create art that would empower the younger generation to feel open to express themselves,” her dad said.
Dedier is among a group of Black artists whose works are on display at Newmarket Old Town Hall’s Serpa Gallery during Black History Month.
Her debut collection, ‘Trendsetters: The Divine Feminism’, is a celebration of African heritage and cultural beauty.
Ava Jasmine Dedier produced ‘Conquering Chaos’ and ‘Take Me Deeper’ (Photo contributed)
“This is essentially a spiritual concept revolving around empowerment, beauty and resilience among other things,” said Dedier. “Though these qualities are commonly associated with women, they are present within everybody.”
Comprising five pieces, the exhibit is a mixed media collection combining acrylic paint with authentic African textile, creating textured and visually striking pieces that honour heritage.
Three of the pieces are on display at the museum until the end of the month.
‘Conquering Chaos’ pays homage to Oshun the African goddess of love, beauty and grace whose calm and unwavering presence rises above the chaos of the world.
“She stands as a symbol of the divine power within all women to remain grounded and true, even in the face of severe external turbulence,” said the Grade 12 student. “The contrast between her serene aura and the chaotic backdrop reflects a profound truth – harmony and strength are born from within, no matter the challenges that surround us.”
‘Take Me Deeper’ is a powerful tribute to Oya, the African goddess of transformation, embodying the infinite potential of change and universal connection.
“I am very big on spirituality,” Dedier pointed out. “That is how I was raised. This piece represents the universal connection we get through meditation. This piece symbolizes the sacred power of breath, thought and spoken word to align with the universe’s energy and shape reality. The vibrant textile design on the woman’s lips represents the life force within each of us, the ability to turn intention into action and energy into transformation. This artwork invites you to embrace your role in the ever-evolving flow of life, recognizing your unique power to create, connect and inspire in a world of limitless possibility.”
‘ALA’, the 17-year-old said, is a powerful tribute to the resilience, wisdom, and strength of Black women, embodying the essence of African heritage and spirituality.
ALA is a tribute to the resilience, wisdom and strength of Black women (Photo by Ron Fanfair)
“Her headwrap, crafted from authentic African textiles and shaped to resemble the African continent, is a profound symbol of humanity’s ancestral roots and the divine feminine force that inspires creation and transformation,” she noted. “The three bands on her sleeve reflect the interconnected realms of physical, spiritual, and universal consciousness, celebrating the courage and grace required to overcome adversity. I learnt how to sew the traditional dashiki clothing in a way that works with my piece and I attached it to give it that cultural aspect.”
The collection is available as fine art, museum-grade and limited edition Giclee prints, ensuring its reach extends beyond galleries into the hands of art lovers.
“I create not just for myself, but for my community,” said Dedier. “Art is a way to tell our stories, honour or roots and build a future where we are seen and celebrated. Through my art, I want to build a movement that shows people we are all connected. Each piece is a step closer to that vision.”
Introverts make for better creatives because most of their work requires solitude and deep focus.
“I am a shy person, but I found that art is the one medium I could use to express myself and connect with others without the need for words,” said Dedier who admires the work of late American painter Paul Jackson Pollock who was a leading exponent of abstract expressionism. “Art is my voice when words fail me. It is how I express what I feel, what I see and what I hope for in the world.”
Where does the talented artist find inspiration?
“It comes from within and how I am feeling,” Dedier said. “Every art piece I make has ties to my feelings and emotions. This collection was inspired by female empowerment and me wanting to learn more about my culture. I am not just creating paintings. I am creating conversations. I want my art to make people feel, think and connect in ways they never have before.”
While art is not seen sometimes as a conventional career path, her parents know the value of creative careers and encouraged their daughter to pursue her dream.
“Their belief in me gave me the courage to pursue art,” Dedier said. “They remind me daily that imagination is just as powerful as logic and art is a reflection of that truth.”
She is enrolled in Unionville High School whose Arts Unionville program has eight specialized arts courses for artistically talented students in visual arts, dance, music and drama.
“I am extremely proud of our daughter,” said Toni-Marie Ferreira who is a Toronto Catholic District School Board educator. “She has been doing art for a while and it is nice to see her come into her own and gain an understanding of what she likes about art and the messages she tries to portray. We helped her recognize that this can be a career and she is set on being her own boss.”
Ava Jasmine Dedier (c) with her parents Robert Dedier & Toni-Marie Ferreira (Photo by Ron Fanfair)
After high school, Dedier will pursue a double major in Business and Art at Western University.
The five-year program combining a Bachelor of Arts Honours with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the Ivey Business School is a unique blend of a strong arts foundation and world-class business education preparing graduates to become leaders in a wide array of industries, including entertainment and finance.
“We have been to the campus multiple times and I like the environment,” said Dedier who aspires to own a fine arts business and be a motivational speaker. “In this program, you do all mediums of art. Pair that with Ivey’s renowned business program, I have the best of both worlds.”
Individuals interested in purchasing Dedier’s art pieces can contact her at avajasmineartistry.com
