Becoming Us
Becoming Us is an online visual gallery featuring a diverse collection of artworks created by newcomers and immigrants of all ages, representing a wide range of cultural backgrounds. The gallery presents 92 artworks by 80 artists from 34 countries.
Through their art, the artists share personal stories of navigating change, adapting to new surroundings, and finding a sense of belonging in our community. This virtual gallery offers visitors an opportunity to reflect on how the journey of immigration shape’s identity, strengthens participation, and enriches our shared cultural landscape in the Greater Fredericton Area.
Turtle Island
In 2023, our English as a Second Language class regularly came the Lieutenant Governor’s House to attend presentations and talks about Indigenous culture and history. Here, we learned about the turtle which carried a little bit of earth on its back in the endless ocean when the world was young. The land grew to become Turtle Island, where we now live.
Artists: Misha Milchenko, Joseph Belotte, Bienvenu Lontelu, Kristina M. Vital, Carl Edouard Vital, Ashley St. Fleur, Hari Bahadur Tamang, Eevee Valle, Zhe (Aime) Shen, Vandana Pandey, Melda Kepme, Nasreldeen Hassan, Marija Ivanova, Elizabete Ivanova, Toni El Helou, Shiva Jamshidi.
Turtle Island, Acrylic on canvas
The People’s Peacock
Each of the 83 circles was painted by a different person during my Fredericton Arts Alliance Artist in Residence on Canada Day, 2025. The People’s Peacock is a representation of the colorful spirit of Fredericton.
Misha Milchenko and Fredericton. Acrylic and oil pastel on custom canvas.
Mosaic
Markers on acetate paper
On a golden background, geometric shapes intertwine, colors in dialogue and fragments in harmony.
Tram Anh Nguyen, Age 6, Vietnam
Sakina Don Blessing, Age 6, Burundi
Mohsin Bahrami, Age 9, Afghanistan
Mohamad Ziwana, Age 8, Syria
Minh Dang Nguyen, Age 6, Vietnam
Layan Al Sabri, Age 7, Yemen
Katrina Chihan, Age 10, Syria
Hajar Ziwana, Age 9, Syria
Hadi Bahrami, Age 11, Afghanistan
Diyaa Deen Alomair, age 8, Syria
David Uriadov, Age 10, Ukraine
Dan Rizk, Age 8, Egypt
Huma Wahidi, Afghanistan. Acrylic on canvas.
Afghan girl behind darkness
Afghan Girl Behind Darkness” shows a young girl looking out from the shadows. Her eye is full of fear but also strength. A red tear on her face shows pain and sadness. She is surrounded by darkness, but her strong look shows she hasn’t given up.
Huma Wahidi, Afghanistan. Oil pastel and pencil.
The Forgotten Books
Afghan women compelled to abandon their hopes, dreams, and education, facing a future overshadowed by oppression and denied the chance to read or learn under Taliban rule.
J'aime sunshine
A contemplative, relaxing sunshine landscape, where colors blend in harmony. This sunrise invites viewers to pause, breathe, and be embraced by the calm and light that flow from the painting.
Joyeuse Irankunda (age 11), Rwanda. Acrylic on paper
Favorite Moments and Things
Painting what they love most, the children transform memories into color.
Each stroke reveals identity, joy, and inner worlds unfolding before our eyes.
Dina Nelya Bouammar,
RoC children, Acrylic on canvas
Hala Alabdullah,
RoC children, Acrylic on canvas
Dmytro Morenets,
RoC children, Acrylic on canvas
Mohamad Ziwana,
RoC children, Acrylic on canvas
Metamorphosis
In these flights of paper and color, the ephemeral becomes permanent, and each child discovers that, like the butterfly, they can transform and unfold their own sky.
They left their traces. Not whole faces, but gestures, absences, metamorphoses. And in those absences, something profoundly true.
RoC children. Papier-mâché sculpture
Witness / Threefold Truth
Witness reflects on vision, sacrifice, and the courage to speak truth in times of silence. At its center stands a faceless figure with three overlapping faces, holding a chalice filled with eyes—a symbol of painful enlightenment and the cost of seeing clearly. Surrounding it are faceless silhouettes and a self-wounding pelican, evoking collective struggle and self-sacrifice. Drawing from religious iconography and protest art, the work speaks to the weight of history and the tension between the individual and the collective. As a Russian artist, I do not support the war and stand in solidarity with those imprisoned for telling the truth.
Alina Karmadanova, Russia, Acrylic on canvas.
Ballad of the Cycle
This artwork shows the constant journey of self-growth, as well as the bad and positive moments of my life. There are a few symbols representing death and life. It has several meanings, the end of old journeys, beginning of new journeys, and depression. It’s also a representation of me, of self-love. Learning to love myself as I have experienced fatphobia and other challenges. This artwork includes me wearing traditional Romanian clothes with my own touch of motif designs. Overall, it represents me living in-between Romania and Canada.
Bianca Prajescu, Romania, Digital painting
Maria y Javier
Maria and Javier are the names of my parents. In this painting I want to capture the nostalgia of being away from my family showing my Mexican culture and its colors. The nostalgia in this painting I wanted to show as a happy and colorful memory about the love that my parents have for each other and that has been transmitted to us as children. This feeling has helped me as an immigrant to move forward and motivate me every day.
David Chavez Andrade, Mexico, Acrylic on canvas
Eereen Shevchenko. Ukraine. Acrylic on canvas
Becoming Through the Burn
“Becoming Through the Burn” explores the transformation that occurs when one is forced to leave everything behind. Like a phoenix rising from ashes, the migrant self is rebuilt through loss, struggle, and renewal — emerging not as who they were, but who they’ve become. This painting is done in the petrykivka traditional folk painting style, which UNESCO recognizes as part of the intangible cultural heritage of Ukraine.
Eereen Shevchenko, Ukraine, Paper cutout
Between Two Worlds
“Between Two Worlds” refers to the emotional and cultural space an immigrant occupies when living between their homeland and their new country — never fully belonging to one or the other, but shaped by both.
Eereen Shevchenko, Ukraine, Pysanka (Ukrainian folk wax-resist art) on chicken eggshell
Fragments of Belonging
“Fragments of Belonging” captures the quiet loss of identity through migration — and the slow, tender process of rebuilding yourself and becoming whole again and beginning to belong in a new society.
Eevee Valle, Mexico, Milagrito mexicano (acrylic on papier mache)
Aquí también soy (Here I am too)
This work reflects the experience of migration as both loss and renewal. The crumbling wall suggests a sacred space left behind, while the glowing orbs represent memory, hope, and transformation. The birch tree—rooted but growing in new soil—symbolizes resilience and adaptation. The icon placed at the base honors cultural identity and spiritual continuity. This piece reflects the migrant’s journey through the symbol of the monarch butterfly, which travels each year between Mexico and Canada. The heart at the center embodies a shifting identity — one that transforms, but never disappears. The wings remind us that, like butterflies, we carry our roots in motion, crossing borders with hope, fragility, and strength.
Ekaterina Pavlova, Russia, Digital render
Church chapel 3D model
This work reflects the experience of migration as both loss and renewal. The crumbling wall suggests a sacred space left behind, while the glowing orbs represent memory, hope, and transformation. The birch tree—rooted but growing in new soil—symbolizes resilience and adaptation. The icon placed at the base honors cultural identity and spiritual continuity.
Heejin Vihvelin, South Korea. Oil on canvas
Dandelion
Like seeds carried by the wind, we come from all corners of the world and find ourselves landing on this land—learning to adapt, to survive, and eventually to put down roots. Some may leave, unable to endure the challenges, but many stay, grow, and contribute to the beauty and strength of this country. Canada may not always reflect the familiarity of our homelands, and at times life here can be difficult, but together, we create something vibrant and enduring. Scattered by the wind, dandelions flourish where they land, transforming the landscape with bursts of yellow—a powerful celebration of belonging.
Ismael Tofaneli Mello, Brazil. Embroidery thread on felt.
Canada Valley
The idea behind this design was to merge my 3D background with embroidery. Besides the optical illusion created by the lines, I wanted to bring in the concept of perspective, evoking valleys — a tribute to the company that introduced me to embroidery and gave me the chance to work in design here. These valleys guide the eyes along a winding path, just like the journey that brought me here, while also pointing to a clear direction ahead.
Ismael Tofaneli Mello, Brazil. Embroidery thread on felt.
Ornamental Leaf
In this piece, the inside of the leaf represents paths. On the left side, the paths I’ve taken; on the right, the paths my wife has taken. Full of twists and turns and lessons learned since we left Brazil up to the present day. The symmetry is intentional — it shows how we are in this journey together, converging towards the center, rising upward to the top where a heart is formed. This heart symbolizes our union, our achievements, and the stability we’ve built here in Canada.
Self-Portrait
Children and Youth, Acrylic on cardboard
Then the gesture is drawn, then it is colored, then it transforms.
Each stroke is an experience, each color a piece of yourself, a window into your unique identity.
Joyeuse Irankunda, Age 11
Sohaiba Osmani, Age 16
Rahmatullah Salak, Age 6
Nhung Nguyen, Age 10
Manal Al Rajab, Jhaner Gil Santana, Mariam Nabindu, Tasneem Ebou, Tram Anh Nguyen.
Lucas F. Berg Castro, Age 6
Katrina Chihan, Age 10
Jhaner Gil Santana, Age 7
Najia Salak, Age 15
Mohamad Al Khamis, Age 7
Marwah Salak, Age 13
Manar Ebou, Age 9
Hanan Ziwana, Age 10
Hajar Ziwana, Age 9
Dmytro Morenets, Age 6
Dina Nelya Bouammar, Age 6
Dan Rizk, Age 8
Alaa J.Alkhaled, Age 7
The Door
Sometimes, nature itself opens new doors in a person’s life. Other times, it can only be a hint, like a glimpse of a shadow. But any way, they are your guide as you walk your journey toward the door that is meant for you.
Joel Lucero Dacumos, Philippines, Oil on canvas
Opposites…or not?
Through this piece, I wanted to show how much immigration and growing up in a different environment can change a person, but yet they might still feel like the version of themselves they once were.
Mariia Shevchenko, Ukraine. Pencil on paper
Tahanan
The Canada jay rests beside the Sampaguita, where two homelands quietly entwine, and belonging becomes its own place.
Margaret Dalisay, Philippines, Acrylic on canvas
Common Roots
My painting connects to Becoming Us by visually exploring themes of identity, connection, and transformation. Through color, form, and composition, I reflect on the emotional and relational spaces that shape who we are—both as individuals and as a collective. The work invites viewers to consider how our stories intersect and evolve together.
Toni El Helou, Lebanon. Mixed media on canvas
Nos Pertenecemos (We belong together)
We are originally from an island, and the sea has always been part of our lives — it reminds us of home. When we arrived here, everything felt new and uncertain. Little by little, we began to find peace in simple moments like this — being close to nature and each other. To me, “becoming us” means holding on to our roots while opening ourselves up to something new. We belong together, no matter where we are. That’s what keeps us strong, and that’s what makes this place begin to feel like home. Our sense of belonging now reaches beyond us: to the community, to this country that welcomed us, and to the shared life we are building with those around us.
Sofia Lucas, Ecuador. Photograph
Shedding
Like a caribou in molt,
I shed the skin of who I was
to open myself to who I can become.
Just as nature is reborn,
I too am reborn,
embracing the cycle:
letting go, growing, moving forward.
Miguelina Izaguirre, Cuba. Papier-mâché sculpture
Palestinian tatreez
Palestinian women and girls decorated their thobe (dress) with symbols of history, memory, and place, telling the tale of the maker’s life and her connection to the land through an illustrative medium of colorfully stitched motifs. Palestinian tatreez is a traditional embroidery form, serving as a powerful symbol of cultural preservation and identity, particularly in the diaspora, amidst immigration and displacement. It connects Palestinians to their homeland, serves as a form of resistance against erasure, and helps maintain cultural continuity across generations and geographical boundaries.
Rana EI Hassan, Palestine, Embroidery on aida cloth.
Celebration in Bucovina, Romania
Teodora Strynatka, Romania. Hand-embroidery and oil on canvas
This piece features traditional egg painting during a time of celebration. Building a new life comes with feelings of being uprooted, but bringing our traditions in our new lives helps us navigate the new environment. Moving to Canada was a celebration, enjoying the new life is like the painted egg enjoys its new colours and the egg is the symbol of birth and life, a new life for me here in Canada.
Connections
Teodora Strynatka, Romania. Hand-embroidery and oil on canvas
This piece is showcasing traditional designs overlayed by triangular connection points. Navigating the immigrant experience is all about building new connections while maintaining existing ones.
September Sunset
Teodora Strynatka, Romania. Hand-embroidery and oil on canvas
The setting sun on a Romanian traditional home, with a stitched design over the door represents the pathways between two countries, traditions and lifestyles. A beautiful sunset is the perfect setting to enjoy the silence after a busy day or to connect with loved ones.
Nelum Ganga Rajapaksha Mudiyanselage, Sri Lanka, Acrylic on canvas
Nature life
Emphasis the Nature of Sri Lanka
Nelum Ganga Rajapaksha Mudiyanselage, Sri Lanka, Acrylic on canvas
Reflection
Emphasize the real life and the social life of a single mom.
Sacred
“Sacred” is a deeply personal, original embroidery work I created entirely freehand. It symbolizes the peace and sense of sanctuary I’ve found in the home I’ve built in Canada. Each stitch reflects the grounding, strength, and healing I continue to experience as I settle into this new chapter of my life. This piece honors the quiet, sacred space where I restore myself daily.
Valdirene Leal de Oliveira, Brazil. Cotton felt on thread, bamboo hoop.
Tahsina Naznin, Bangladesh, Acrylic on canvas
Arrive
Arriving late fills the void, this landscape is like that, the boats are crowded on the small shore, and there is a feeling that there is no other space. The dark color seems to make the surroundings solemn.
Tahsina Naznin, Bangladesh. Papier mâché on canvas
Boat of the shore
The boat waits on the dark shore, believing that morning will come.
Child and the River
It represents the future generation being raised by the combination of different cultures cohabitating, cooperating, and creating a better future with each other.
Maia Martinez, Philippines. Acrylic on canvas
Esfahan
It was a summer afternoon and we were at Moshir-al-Molk historical house in Esfahan. The afternoon sunlight was glowing inside the house through its colourful windows. It drew the colourful window pattern on the floor and clothes of the people standing in front of the window. This sculpture was designed based on that beautiful memory and shining lights.
Esmaeil Rezaei, Parisa Partovii, Layla Partovii, Tania Sedighi, Iran. Acrylic on polyester resin
Left Behind
Migrating from one place to your dream place often leaves something behind. Catrina is my pet, which I left behind in the place I was before moving here. I chose her to be the subject of my portrait to express the feeling of being left behind, and her portrait is the only way I can see and remember her.
Joel Lucero Dacumos, Philippines. Oil on canvas.
Becoming Us
This piece reimagines the moment of connection—not as a final act, but as the beginning of transformation. Between the hands, butterflies emerge, symbolizing freedom, fragility, and the shared process of becoming. Each fluttering form carries a part of the transition from separation to unity. Becoming Us invites viewers to reflect on how relationships, trust, and mutual creation give birth to something new – something neither one nor the other could create alone.
Zhe (Aime) Shen, China. Acrylic and mixed media on canvas.
Yenni Rodriguez, Colombia. Beads and wool on board
Departure
Departure is based on a photo I took with my parents when I moved to Canada. It holds deep emotional value.
Yenni Rodriguez, Colombia. Wool crochet on fabric
Heart
Heart has three distinct sections representing my home country, Canada, and the space in between. For any immigrant, this in-between place can feel like belonging to both cultures, but never fully to either.
Shrishti Badrinathan, India. Acrylic on canvas
Blooming Hope
This is the process of restarting your life. Moving to a different country feels like everything is falling out of place. But when you embrace the change, you begin to live fully again. And in time, you’ll find beautiful flowers covering the cracks that you once feared. The single vine branching out represents someone leaving their home all alone. But in the end, it’s the hope that resurrects even when there’s disruption in one’s life.
Shrishti Badrinathan, India. Acrylic on canvas
Confliction
This is the inner turmoil of a person when their environment changes. Your old life–the one you’re familiar with. Your new life–the one that’s developing newly and the one that’s making you afraid of losing your old self. It shows how messy and complicated you feel while thinking about which version you really are.
Modern City
This is our Modern City, with advanced transportation and comfortable housing that can attract more people to come here, live together, and connect with one another.
Miranda Xiao, China. Acrylic on canvas.
The Clown
Playing the Clown, behaving a playful way to humor others.
Matteo Cadelina, born in Canada with Filipino parents. Acrylic on canvas
Misha Milchenko, Ukraine. Acrylic on custom canvas
Broken Vessel
The broken vase struggles to keep its flowers in bloom.
Misha Milchenko, Ukraine. Acrylic and clay on serving tray.
Highschool Angel
An ode to growing up strange.
Misha Milchenko, Ukraine. Acrylic on custom canvas
Beautiful World
Di velt iz sheyn nor di mentshn makhn zi mies.
די וועלט איז שיין נאָר די מענטשן מאַכן זי מיאוס
Maria Elena Pliego, Mexico, Intarsia knitted wool
New Beginnings
I created this artwork as a part of a series for my graduation project at NBCCD. At that time, I had been living in Canada for three years. I was experiencing challenging moments, unsure of what the future held, feeling homesick, and out of place. This project at school allowed me to confront my emotions. After putting considerable thought into it, I came to understand that migration signifies a new beginning, which ultimately means I can continue to grow.
Maria Elena Pliego, Mexico, Intarsia knitted wool
A Spark
This artwork is the second piece in the series I created for my graduation project at NBCCD. It symbolizes the new connections formed during migration—meeting new people, forging friendships, and embracing fresh experiences. All of these elements have ignited a spark within me, shaping me into the person I am today.
Maria Elena Pliego, Mexico. Intarsia knitted wool.
Blooms
This artwork is the final piece of the series I developed for my graduation project at NBCCD. It symbolizes my journey and growth; each petal reflects a part of me that embraces the winds of change, reaches for new horizons, and ultimately blooms.
Mural/Collage
Each young artist captured their own face, reflecting their identity. Behind every individual face are invisible threads that connect us all. In both difference and commonality, the beauty of community blossoms.
Acrylic on canvas
Roses
Three red roses bloom in the foreground as cherries float gently in a blue sky. Each acrylic stroke transforms the scene into an imaginary garden, full of joy, color, and creativity.
Layan Al sabri (age 7), Yemen. Acrylic on paper
Reflections of Belonging
Refik Batuhan Tombul, Turkey. Time lapse video
Reflections of Belonging” captures iconic locations in Fredericton through a mirrored lens that transforms the familiar into the surreal. This piece reflects the inner and outer landscapes of becoming part of a new home.