Ayo Tsalithaba, a multifaceted visual artist, writer, and researcher, embodies a rich cultural heritage, drawing from his dual roots in Ghana and Lesotho, while currently residing in the eclectic and dynamic city of Toronto, which has undoubtedly influenced his creative trajectory.
With a remarkable artistic presence, Ayo's creative expression traverses a broad spectrum of mediums, encompassing film, photography, and illustration, each medium serving as a canvas for him to explore and convey his unique perspective and vision.
Ayo's artistic endeavors delve into the profound and multifaceted nature of the concept of home, probing the complexities of visibility and its inverse, as well as the liminal spaces that exist at the intersection of these two concepts.
Through their work, Ayo skillfully navigates the intricate nuances of belonging and its opposite, shedding light on the often-overlooked experiences of the Black queer and trans* African diasporic community.
Ayo's exploration of Black queer and trans* African diasporic subjectivity masterfully interweaves these themes, providing a platform for the voices and stories of this community to be heard.
In doing so, Ayo's work not only questions the notion of home but also challenges the dominant narratives that have historically excluded and marginalized this community.
By centering the experiences of Black queer and trans* African diasporic individuals, Ayo's work offers a powerful counter-narrative that seeks to reclaim and reframe the dominant discourse on identity, belonging, and community.
Ultimately, Ayo's artistic endeavors serve as a testament to the importance of representation, visibility, and inclusivity, as they work to amplify the voices and stories of those who have been historically silenced and marginalized.
Ayo's creative pursuits have garnered widespread recognition, boasting an impressive array of features in influential publications, including but not limited to, the esteemed Huffington Post Canada, The Fader, Flare Magazine, TFO, and The Kit, thereby solidifying their reputation as a talented and accomplished individual.
Their remarkable portfolio is replete with collaborations with distinguished organizations, showcasing their versatility and range, and featuring notable partnerships with the likes of Converse, Luminato, The Queer Songbook Orchestra, TIFF, Ugg, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM),and the Canadian Academy, thereby demonstrating their ability to work effectively with a diverse range of entities and stakeholders.
Ayo's professional portfolio is replete with a plethora of notable accomplishments, one of which stands out in particular as a shining exemplar of their dedication to promoting inclusivity and social justice. This outstanding achievement took the form of co-directing a Heritage Minute, a poignant tribute to the groundbreaking transgender soul singer, Jackie Shane.
Ayo's personal identity is characterized by a profound sense of self-awareness, as they proudly declare themselves to be non-binary, choosing to be referred to by they/them/theirs pronouns as a means of expressing their gender identity with authenticity and conviction.
