Communications app Snapchat has created an online virtual gallery in celebration of Black History Month, showcasing the work of black millennial artists.

The gallery can be accessed at all times via an immersive lens that can be found in users’ Lens Carousel. The lens, in selfie mode, allows users to take a selfie with a Black History Month banner, however, when users turn the lens they are transported into the gallery.

The first exhibit is called For Us, By Us: Art Through the Eyes of Black Millennials and then a number of others by young, black artists are seen.

Featured artists include Gianni Lee, Bianca Pastel, Jessica Spence, Jameel Mohammed and Paracosm, with music from Ivy Sole.

The Snapchat black employee group, SnapNoir, is behind the idea, looking to "honour the work being done by talented artists today and celebrate the black history of now". The virtual gallery experience will be available throughout the month of February.

Paracosm, describing their work, said: "Our piece celebrates the 'other' by capturing the allure of ebony womanhood. Black resplendency, illustrated in the form of flower petals, recognise the purity in all black women. 'Halima' acknowledges the dualism between black womanhood and nature."