Hi, blackpowerbarbie! Meet the artist behind our Black History Month logo

Every month, we feature a new take on the CBC Arts logo created by a Canadian artist. Check out our previous logos!

She's collaborated with big brands (Nike, Apple) and major music stars (Black Thought, Haviah Mighty), but whatever she's working on, blackpowerbarbie (a.k.a. Amika Cooper) is driven by the same mission. "I try to make people feel seen through the things I create," says Cooper, a Toronto-raised artist now based in New York. But her friends and community back home in Canada continue to inform the cosmic Black femme characters that inhabit her films and illustrations. "My work is about the people who inspire me," says Cooper over email. And as for what inspired her latest assignment — a Black History Month logo for CBC Arts — Cooper had more to say when we reached her by email. All through February, you'll find that logo design on our social media. 

Name: blackpowerbarbie

Age: 31

Homebase: Brooklyn, N.Y.

February's logo marks Black History Month. Why was it important to you to take this project? 

I've always wanted to make one of these logos. My identity and my politics are no secret and a big influence on how I engage with others and also my work. I think it's important that artists are seen through the lens of what they believe in and who they are — not just what things look like.

Let's talk about your logo design! What inspired the concept? 

I was inspired by the esthetics and mythology of Afrofuturism and how I'm feeling about our society and the world these days.

Who's the character you've drawn for the logo? What's her story?  

Who knows! I guess to me, we're all living in the imaginations of an elite few. When I think about the future I want to see our collective imagination be the driving force in our reality. I think we are all feeling the pressure of not feeling this freedom and I see this character as a person whose mind is full of ideas and is expanding and sharing their consciousness.

What's the project you're most proud of? 

It's hard to choose, but at this moment, I would say I'm really proud of directing my first live-action commercial. It was a spot for Facebook, launching a new Black space on the site. It was filmed via Zoom in 2020. It was one of the last times I did something for the first time. 

I was so sure I wouldn't get the job that I almost didn't pitch. It just reminds me of the importance of taking a leap and running my own race.

What's new in your world? What are you working on at the moment? 

I am writing more for future projects and pouring more time into my analog practice. I'm hoping to show more hand-drawn and painted works this year.

What's your favourite place to see art? 

On the street! I love walking past wheat-pasted art or outdoor installations and feeling like I need to know who the artist is. 

Who's the last artist you discovered online? 

Arantza Pena Popo. I forget how we connected online — probably through mutual artist friends — but their art is so beautiful, honest and playful.

What work of art do you wish you owned? 

Anything by Kerry James Marshall and/or Rajni Perera!

Where can we see more from you? 

The best place to stay tuned is Instagram (@blackpowerbarbie).

This conversation has been edited and condensed.