They Say We Can't Breathe Underwater

Authors

  • Natalie Wood York University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25071/2292-4736/40454

Keywords:

Black Radical Tradition, Abolition Geographies, Black Atlantic, The Undrowned, Black Aquatic theories

Abstract

This photo essay takes the reader through the images and ideas Wood explores in her solo exhibit, They Say We Can’t Breathe Underwater, installed at A Space Gallery in Toronto in September 2022. It incorporates photos of the artwork and installation, along with a discussion of the concepts floating through the exhibit. The images and this essay are found at the intersections of Abolition geographies, Black Radical Tradition, Black feminist, Black Atlantic, Aquatic theories.

Author Biography

Natalie Wood, York University

Born and raised in Trinidad, Natalie Wood arrived in Toronto in 1984 to study psychology, sociology and women’s studies at the University of Toronto before obtaining her studio training at Ontario College of Art. Wood then went on to complete an MA in Art Education from OISE, at the University of Toronto, in 2000. Wood’s work cohabits the areas of popular culture, education and historical research, spanning the visual and media arts. The practice includes painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, video and performance, and extends into Wood’s work as a curator, educator and community-based queer activist. Wood is currently a tenured Professor in the Social Service Work Program at George Brown College, where she co-founded and coordinated their Social Innovation Hub, an early stage incubator. She is also pursuing a PhD through the Environmental Studies program at York University.

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Published

2025-02-24

How to Cite

Wood, N. (2025). They Say We Can’t Breathe Underwater. UnderCurrents: Journal of Critical Environmental Studies, 22, 23–35. https://doi.org/10.25071/2292-4736/40454

Issue

Vol. 22 (2025): Below

Section

Scholarly

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Natalie Wood

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