In The Sunroom: Swallowed Whole

On display from August 23 – October 3, 2026 in The Sunroom at Central Library, Swallowed Whole by Rebecca Fisk. 

About the Exhibit 

Swallowed Whole is a provocative self-portrait portrait series that confronts the intersection of race, food, and cultural stereotype. Through striking compositions, monochromatic skin tones, and vivid symbolism, these works explore how food—particularly fast food and sweets—has been weaponized, exoticized, and commodified in ways that often reduce racialized bodies to caricature or consumption.  

Using exaggerated hand gestures, confrontational gazes, and visual codes like the KFC bucket or licorice candies, this series challenges viewers to reflect on how race is packaged, consumed, and digested in both literal and metaphorical ways.  

Food is never just food. It is culture, survival, memory—but also stereotype. This body of work questions how Black and racialized identities are flattened through media imagery and cultural shorthand, particularly around food tropes. The greasy drumstick. The "sweet" girl. The offering hand. These recurring elements evoke loaded narratives: from minstrelsy to welfare tropes to colonial fantasies.  

By painting the skin tones in grayscale, the works resist immediate racial categorization, forcing the viewer to confront the signs and symbols that create racial meaning. Goggles, oversized hands, and theatrical gestures call attention to performance—how racial identity is often constructed for the consumption of others.  

Each piece speaks to how the simple act of eating becomes political when the body consuming is marked by race. 

About the Artist 

Rebecca Fisk is a passionate and introspective painter whose body of work revolves around the exploration of identity and the confronting realities of racism. Born and raised in rural Nova Scotia, Rebecca developed an early fascination with art, which eventually led to a dedicated pursuit of painting as a means of self-expression and social commentary.  

The self-portrait serves as a central theme in Rebecca's work, becoming a powerful vessel for personal introspection and a platform for addressing broader societal issues. Through a distinctive blend of realism and symbolism, Rebecca delves deep into the complexities of their own identity, often challenging preconceived notions and cultural stereotypes.  

Informed by personal experiences and a keen awareness of the socio-political climate, Rebecca tackles the theme of racism in a visceral and thought-provoking manner. Each brushstroke serves as a deliberate act of defiance against the injustices faced by marginalized communities. The canvases become both a mirror reflecting the artist's journey and a window into the broader discourse on systemic discrimination.  

Apart from their artistic endeavors, Rebecca is a dedicated high school art teacher, sharing not only technical skills but also fostering a sense of social consciousness among their students. The classroom becomes a space for nurturing creativity, instilling a love for art, and encouraging critical thinking on issues such as identity and racism.  

Rebecca has exhibited their work in numerous solo and group exhibitions such as Dalhousie University and St. FX Art Gallery. She has been the recipient of both Canada Council and Arts Nova Scotia grants.    

As Rebecca continues to evolve as both an artist and educator, their commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and promoting social awareness remains unwavering. Through the lens of self-portraiture, Rebecca invites audiences to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empathy, ultimately contributing to the collective dialogue on identity and racial equality.

Please join us for a reception

Sunday, August 23 | 3:00-5:00pm
The Sunroom | Floor 5
Halifax Central Library

We hope you will join us to celebrate creativity, embrace curiosity, and be inspired by budding and celebrated artists from our community.

The Sunroom is made possible by the generosity of Margot and Layne Spafford.