Zulu Alpha Kilo has created a travelling art exhibit that quite literally illustrates the impact microagressions have on people.

The work builds on the agency’s “Micropedia of Microaggressions,” a crowd-sourced encyclopedia of terms and phrase that launched late last year to create more education on terms people may not be aware are discriminatory, as well as the mental and emotional toll they can take. The “Micropedia” has since been used in over 125 countries and incorporated into countless diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs across public, private and non-profit sectors.

But while the “Micropedia” took a more direct route to education – more in line with an encyclopedia, naturally – “Worn Down By Words” uses the power of art to create empathy and understanding.

The exhibit is based around a series works that put phrases like “that’s go gay” or “where are you really from?” are alongside a person’s silhouette. The silhouettes are created by layers of cut paper, going from someone’s external appearance, down and down to what is deep inside their mind – and the kind of messages they internalize each time they are faced with a microagression.

Each piece is displayed with a QR code driving to the original Micropedia for further learning and prevention.

“By visualizing the impact of microaggressions in a simple and focused way, we’re all able to become more self-aware and empathetic to individuals’ experiences and the power of our words with the ultimate goal of affecting behaviour change,” says Stephanie Yung, ECD and head of design at Zulu Alpha Kilo, who adds that the goal is to get the Micropedia as widely distributed as possible for greatest impact.

The exhibit will be touring different settings, including galleries, schools, workplaces and public spaces. To date, it has already been displayed at Remote Gallery, Show Gallery, the Toronto Film School and Humber College.

The Micropedia of Microaggressions is an initiative created by Zulu Alpha Kilo on behalf of Canada’s leading DEI groups: The Black Business and Professional Association, The Canadian Congress on Inclusive Diversity & Workplace Equity, Pride at Work and Toronto Metropolitan University’s Diversity Institute. Wendy Cukier, founder of TMU’s Diversity Institute, says that both the project and the new exhibit brings to life the damage of microaggressions, and adds valuable new knowledge.

According to a recent survey of Black Canadians, nearly a third have continued to experience microaggressions and racism at work, despite growing awareness.