Tonal Mondae (b. 1991, St. Louis/Kalamazoo) is a Black non-binary documentary photographer and writer based in Chicago, IL. Their work creates visual narratives that celebrate personhood and seek to explore the relationship between belonging and environment. The use of collaborative portraiture is an act of resistance that promotes the right to self-authorship.
Exhibitions
2024 Art From The Heartland, Indianapolis Art Center, IN
2023 Divine Masculine, Divine Feminine, Pilsen Arts & Community House, IL
2023 h a b i t a t, Side Street Art Center, IL
2022 A Black Mood, Engine Coffee, Chicago, IL.
Fellowships, Residencies & Grants
2026 Artist in Residence, Artists in Public Schools, Chicago, IL
2025 Chicago Creatives for Justice, Media Fellowship, Grassroots Collaborative, IL
2024 Studio Residency, Swarm Residency, West Branch, IA
2017 Student Grant, Fulbright ETA, Maceió, AL, Brazil
Bibliography
Simmons, Tonal. “Interwoven Realities,” Quibble: Issue 12 – outlook.lookout, Oct 2023.
Simmons, Tonal. “Statues in the Park,” Metonym Journal – Vol XII, Spring 2024 pp. 79-84
Publications
Simmons, Tonal. “Indelible Origins: Space for Black Queer and Trans Creative Futures.” Sixty Inches from Center, 20 Jan. 2025.
Simmons, Tonal “When Clouds Roll Away: A Community Reflection on the Johnson Publishing Company Archives,” Audio Interview for Sixty Inches from Center, 3 Dec. 2024.
Simmons, Tonal. “Capturing Chicago’s Black Heritage: A Photo Essay.” The Triibe, 10 Apr. 2024.
Simmons, Tonal. “Arriving At Art: Alyssa Laney.” Sixty Inches from Center, 2 Apr. 2024.
Simmons, Tonal. “Native Futures: An Artist-Led Gallery Reclaiming Indigeneity.” Audio interview for Sixty Inches from Center, 18 October 2023.
Simmons, Tonal. “Familial Flowers: A Photo Essay,” Sixty Inches from Center, 21 June 2023.
Simmons, Tonal. “Black Artscapes in Chicago.” Vocalo Podcasting Workshop, 19 Jan 2023.
Curatorial Exhibits
2023 Our Black Experience, Heaven Gallery, Chicago, IL.
2022 A Black Mood, Engine Coffee, Chicago, IL.
Education
Michigan State University
B.A. – May 2013
Eastern Michigan University
M.A. – May 2016