Brainer discovered she was an artist when she had an encounter with her first-ever instrument, the harp. Her next-door neighbour had purchased a harp and left it out in their yard because they didn’t know how to play it. Fascinated by the instrument, Brainer started playing with it. Ever since then, she’s dedicated long nights and days to independently teaching herself how to play a multitude of instruments with a current record of 13 instruments. An artist who has greatly influenced her is Little Simz, a Nigerian-British artist known for her powerful use of metaphors and words to evoke deep emotions. She aspires to have a similar impact, using her work to positively influence others.

At the height of COVID and at the age of 11, she made a promise to herself that she would become the most decorated instrumentalist and poet in Canadian history. She currently strives to do whatever possible to achieve this goal.

"The Eyes"

Poem & Short Film By Ugoma Brainer Nwakebe — Artist Statement [EXCERPT]

“The Eyes” is meant to serve as a visual representation of most if not all of my artistic mediums. “The Eyes” is a poem complemented by a short film that captures the spirit of community and different displays of emotions in the face of isolation through the eyes.

I came up with “The Eyes” because I wanted to dream as big as my head could handle. I felt capable of anything as I was brainstorming my project. Ideas came flooding in the second I was introduced to the concept of the project. The intent of my project is to paint hyperfixation and loneliness in a less negative light. Through my piece, I want people to understand why I pay more attention to the eyes than any other facial feature. My main message is that the eyes are the window to the soul, and that is where you will find me. Hopefully, the audience will leave the showcase with a different perspective. I just want to evoke emotion and thought.