OCAD U affiliated artists participating in Toronto Biennial of Art

Many OCAD University faculty and alums are taking part in the Toronto Biennial of Art, which opened on September 21 and runs until December 1. 

Every two years, the free, ten-week event aims to make contemporary art accessible to everyone. The Biennial, which launched in 2019, commissions artists to create new works for a city-wide exhibition in dialogue with Toronto’s diverse local contexts. Registration is required for most events.

OCAD U affiliated participating artists include:

Faculty of Design Instructor Misbah Ahmed, who is hosting Andbothwith a Gift: A Ceramic Workshop on October 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. at 32 Lisgar Street and Park. This workshop offers an opportunity to explore ceramic hand-building and surface design techniques inspired by the artist Pamila Matharu.

Faculty of Design Associate Professor Peter Morin, who will lead the community gathering and performance, Love Songs to End Colonization, alongside Jimmie Kilpatrick on November 30 from 8 to 11 p.m. at The Theatre Centre. This is a participative karaoke project that repurposes popular love songs, where attendees are invited to engage. 

Astrid Ho, Drawing and Painting, Class of 1997 and 2010, who will be a part of VIBE Arts Family Days: Mini Monotype Printmaking on November 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 32 Lisgar Street and Park. This is a free, drop-in, public art-making program. 

Jenny Chen, Drawing and Painting, Class of 2016, who participated in VIBE Arts Family Days: Magical Bead Mandala, on September 21. 

Laura Dawe, Interdisciplinary Master’s in Art, Media and Design, Class of 2018, who will facilitate the workshop Joyful Still Lives on October 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at 32 Lisgar Street and Park. Participants will each paint a little still life.

Rajni Perera, Drawing and Painting, Class of 2011, whose painting Joyous Procession/The Infinite Serpent will be on display at Collision Gallery until December 1. The painting portrays dancing mythological characters which Perera describes as manifestations of dreams, highlighting the deep ancestral connections to a spiritual dimension.