Michèle Pearson Clarke

Michèle Pearson Clarke is an Assistant Professor in the School of Image Arts at Toronto Metropolitan University. Born in Trinidad, she is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, and educator working across photography, film, video, and installation. Her practice explores grief as a catalyst for social and political connection, employing archival, performative, and process-oriented methodologies. She holds an MFA in Documentary Media Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University (2015) and an MSW from the University of Toronto.

Her work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and Lagos Photo Festival. Notably, she served as the City of Toronto’s second Photo Laureate (2019–2022) and was shortlisted for the prestigious 2023 Sobey Art Award. Clarke’s research bridges artistic practice with social justice, emphasizing the role of art in fostering communal dialogue and historical reckoning.