Estimated Value: $20 “Les garçons noirs sont des fleurs” In honor of my cousin, who was a victim of gun violence, "Les garçons noirs sont des fleurs" is a visual testament to the fragile beauty of black boys, often seen through the harsh and distorting lens of societal prejudice. This piece challenges those perceptions, revealing the tender humanity that lies beneath. Black boys are not hardened, prematurely aged beings—they are delicate flowers, deserving of the chance to blossom, to be nurtured, and to be seen in their full, vibrant glory. Three years after his murder, I found myself in a meadow, reconnecting with a friend, Clifford Frimpong, I met in Rexdale, whose charm and playfulness ignited memories of my cousin. As we photographed and caught up with each other, I documented every moment—moments of serenity, reflection, and laughter. He spoke of his future goals and plans, and we reflected on the fragility of life. Just like flowers, black boys need the opportunity to grow, to dream, and to flourish. This work is my heart, cracked open, pouring love and remembrance into each captured moment, honoring those we’ve lost and the dreams that continue to bloom.

Nautica Simone

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Nautica Simone is a multifaceted artist, blending the roles of photographer, visual storyteller, and poetry into a captivating and immersive creative practice. Based in Toronto and deeply rooted in her Caribbean heritage, Nautica draws inspiration from the holistic and intuitive nature of her cultural upbringing. Her work is a reflection of her journey of authenticity and self-discovery, capturing the essence of human experience through the lens of portraiture and documentary photography. Each image is imbued with the richness of lived experiences, serving as a byproduct of moments steeped in truth and personal revelation.