OCAD U Yonge-Dundas Square Black History Month Digital Exhibition
February 1 to 28, 2023, on the digital screens
Yonge-Dundas Square and the Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers were happy to announce Sofia Reyes, Pixel Heller, and Steve Williams Jnr. as the recipients of the Black History Month Digital Exhibition Curator Career Launcher.
This exhibition opportunity invited 3 artists from the OCAD U community to exhibit their work on our five (5) digital screens for the duration of Black History Month in February 2023, reflecting on what role artists can play in the city’s public spaces.
About the Artists:
Artist: Steve William Jnr.
Sofia Reyes
Sofia Reyes is an Afro-Latinx Panamanian illustrator, comic artist, and designer, currently residing in Toronto, ON. Their work focuses on the intersectionality of identity as described through fantastical story-telling and colour.
Artist: Pixel Heller
Photo by Tizzi Tan
Dreams In Vantablack
February 1 to 28, 2023
Dreams in Vantablack was an animated poetry series featuring the work of Black youth, revealing their truths through evocative poetry with rotoscope and 2D animation styles. Watch the whole series on CBC Gem.
CREDITS
Written & Directed: Ian Keteku
Producers: Sherien Barsoum (Taza Media), Ian Keteku (Alkebulan Pictures)
Animation Producer: Trever Stewart
Art Director: Gavin Ball
Rotoscope Artist: Greg Doble
Produced with the Financial Participation of:
Shaw Rocket Fund
Canada Media Fund
Dreams in Vantablack acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
Steve Williams Jnr.
21-year-old Steve Williams Jnr, is a Ghanaian creative who has managed to tap into the fullness of his artistry. The intentionality behind his creative expression has made him a storyteller, telling beautiful stories from his own experiences and the stories of others.
Artist: Sofia Reyes
Pixel Heller
This is my symbol. I’m not an artist. I’m an explorer. Art just happens to be my medium for discovery and empowerment. When I created these masks in search of my identity, I found my home, interwoven within Caribbean roots. These masks represent protection for my culture and my people.
Photo by Tizzy Tan
Photo by Tizzy Tan
ABOUT THE ANIMATIONS:
I SPY
Writer: Jenn Kasiama
Animator: Dorielle Retemyer
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ADVICE
Writer: Eva Anthony
Animator: Bogdan Anifrani
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SUPAFLY
Writer: Christian Markland
Animator: Gavin Ball