An exhibition that explores textiles and patterns as modes of communicating creation stories i.e., the way we come to be based on our storied histories of movement and discovery. BEYOND THE SOIL is inspired by the modes of meaning embedded in quilting practices of the African diaspora.
BEYOND THE SOIL combines the tactile applications of quilting practices with new media by incorporating digital design, 3D printing and augmented reality. The exhibit features imagined quilt patches from several Afrodiasporic members located in cities across Ontario as well as Chicago, IL. Each participant was asked to sketch or digitally draw their creation story—exploring their lineage and the experiences that have molded them. We are comprised of a compilation of moments that shape us. For Black folks, those moments are a mixed assemblage of movement, adaptation, and shifting soil.
The Making of Beyond the Soil
The quilt patterns
Mickey Smith, Jevon ICARU$, Curtia Wright, Selina McCallum, Jasmine Vanstone, dav adĂ©, segun caezar, Uzo Ekpunobi, Yanaminah Thullah, Aisha Fairclough, Abrar Adan, Athena, Skeeter, Enid Boothe, Ja-Kobe, O’Neil, Sandra, Tirahji, Avery, Tray and Sally Vusi.
View the Exhibit
View the Exhibit
Beyond the Soil project is now being exhibited at Scarborough Museum from October 3, 2026 – February 28, 2027
To get the most out of your viewing experience, download the Artivive App to be able to explore the augmented reality (AR) on each piece.










