The Spirit of St. Clair Mural by Akim MOCA Alum

While we’re all stuck inside our homes these days looking for activities to pass the time it is still important to stay physically active so why not peel yourself off of your couch and take a trek around your neighborhood? If you find yourself in the St. Clair Avenue West area you may even spot ‘The Spirit of St. Clair’ mural at 900 St. Clair Avenue West.

Recently, Canderel and KingSett Capital celebrated the start of construction at 900 St. Clair West on with a sneak peek unveiling of ‘The Spirit of St. Clair” – a massive mural that will eventually span 55 ft. of site frontage along St. Clair West. Inspired by a 1961 photo captured by Eric Trussler of a woman waiting by the transit loop at St. Clair Station, the public art piece recreates the scene while injecting an in-colour present-day TTC streetcar, reflecting the vibrant past, evolving present, and promising future within this community along St. Clair Avenue West. 

“Through research and exploration, we noticed that although people continue to move into this neighbourhood, there’s a beautiful way that it coexists. The ‘Spirit of St. Clair’ is shifting demographics yet a strong sense of connectedness. The essence of culture within St. Clair West has, and likely always will, remain,” says Leone McComas, an artist and student at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Image source: Ziyaad Haniff

This mural was created by Akin MOCA alum Leone McComas, Liang Wang, and David (Nuff) Balogun and organized by Akin’s Ozge Aytekin in collaboration with Canderel.

Quiet Vignettes, Anahita Azrahimi Presented with DesginTO

“I feel like I am trying to gently nudge these fragments to come together - a reflection of my inner world at the moment.”

— Anahita Azrahimi on 'Quiet Vignettes'

quiet vignettes
Jan 17 – Jan 26 2020

A collaboration between a collage artist and a floral designer, ‘quiet vignettes’ combines both practices to create a subtle — almost evanescent — experience of a balance and poised marriage of two art forms. Both artists have responded to the other in a mirrored reaction to their work. The first, a series of understated folds and creases that evoke a sense of quiet energy. The second, a presentation of evocative foliage. Though different, the pieces mix and meld into a balanced and graceful dance. The result is an intimate spatial installation. One that nudges you to slow down and pay attention — and to reflect the unassuming authority of a unique and unexpected bond.

Anahita Azrahimi, an Akin Lansdowne alum, is a collage artist and cultural producer. In her role as the Executive & Creative Director of Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, Canada’s largest contemporary outdoor art fair since 1961, Azrahimi thrives in making joy of art and direct engagement with artists accessible to all public. Azrahimi is equally passionate about creating her own moments of art.

“The works that I have created for this show are subtle collages of folds and creases that evoke a quiet movement and energy. There is a simplicity and understated quality in these works that I find deeply gratifying and calming. Fine hand-sewn stitches have replaced my previous drawings. I feel like I am trying to gently nudge these fragments to come together - a reflection of my inner world at the moment.

I have invited Lauren Wilson of Timberlost Designs to mirror the works with evocative and poetic foliage vignettes. Lauren’s creations are soulful and deep. We will create a subtle — almost evanescent — experience of a balanced and poised marriage of our practices. With this intimate spatial installation, the vision is to create a moment that nudges you to slow down and pay attention — and to reflect the unassuming authority of a unique and unexpected bond.” - Anahita Azrahimi

Furoshiki - Opens Saturday!

SAMARA Contemporary in collaboration with Kid Icarus, are pleased to announce Furoshiki, A group exhibition that will feature the works of 20 artists working with the theme: “Gifting”. Furoshiki wrap is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wrapping paper.

Where: Samara Contemporary, 156 Augusta Avenue, Toronto

When: Saturday, November 30th, 12-6pm

Every holiday season more than 8 million tons of gift-wrap ends up in landfills. Disposable and chemically processed, this waste is destroying our environment. Furoshiki can be re-used, passed on from one gift receiver to the next.

Cloth wrapping has been used for over 1200 years in Japan. The word Furoshiki came about during the Edo period (1603-1868) when cloths were commonly used in bathhouses to wrap clothes or as bath matts. Today, Furoshiki can be used to wrap gifts, wine bottles, books, groceries, or just about anything!

This year and onward present your special gift enveloped in beautiful art created by some of Canada’s
top illustrators and artists! An environmentally ethical and unique option to gift giving!

Participating artists:
Daniela Roessler, Dave Setrakian, Fiona Smyth, Flips, Akin Ossington alum Jenn Kitagawa, Jill Holmberg, Jimmy Chaile, Akin Sunrise artist Jieun June Kim, Justin Broadbent, Akin Ossington alum Kendra Yee, Kirsten McCrea, Luke Parnell, Happy Sleepy, Marijke Bouchier, Mariko Paterson, Mike Ellis, Orbital Arts, Rachel Joanis, Santiago Paredes, Trio Magnus

The 2019 Toronto Outdoor Art Fair

The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair is happening this weekend in Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square and over 360 artists and makers are ready to welcome you, including a large group of Akin artists! Art: Unwalled' is the theme this year, as part of TOAF's core belief that art should be available and accessible to everyone - with no barriers.

Location: Nathan Phillips Square

Dates & Times: Sat. (10am–7pm, Beer Garden open til 9pm), and Sun. (10am–5pm).

FREE.

The following Akin artists have booths at this year’s fair. They are scattered across the square and range from painters and illustrators to textile artists and sculptors.

1. Andrew Pierce, Booth E320, Akin St Clair

2. Chris Harms, Booth C229, Akin Alumni

3. Dorota Dziong, Booth A116, Akin MOCA Year 2

4. Elycia SFA, Booth A114, Akin Alumni

5. Eugenia Elder, Booth E355, Akin MOCA Year 2

6. Felicia Cirstea, Booth D290, Akin Ossington

7. Jamileh Salek Ostadtaqi, Booth Lawn 372, Akin Alumni

8. Japneet Kaur, Booth A94, Akin Ossington

9. Leone McComas, Booth B182, Akin MOCA Year 1

10. Liang Wang, Booth E312, Akin MOCA Year 1

11. Linds Miyo, Booth B187, Akin Lansdowne

12. Loren Kaplan, Booth E361, Akin Dupont

13. Raoul Olou, Booth B179, Akin MOCA Year 1

14. Valentina Churilova, Booth E327, Akin Dupont

15. Zach Atticus, Booth B184, Akin Dupont

16. Natalie Waddell, Toronto Potters, Booth D269-269, Akin Alumni

17. Nicole Crozier, Booth 377, Akin Ossington

Today Akin will be onsite visiting the fair and the exhibiting members of Akin’s talented community. Follow along with us by tuning into the Akin Projects Instagram account!

The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair is Canada's leading contemporary outdoor art fair and has been happening every second weekend in July since 1961, rain or shine, in the heart of downtown Toronto at Nathan Phillips Square.

Image Source: Toronto Outdoor Art Fair, 2019.