Traces of Us

By Sasha Shevchenko, Stoyan Barakov, Matthew Davies, Rihab Essayh, Shahrzad Amin, and Par Nair + Jude Abu Zaineh (in Virtual Rendition)

“Traces of Us” is a collection of multidisciplinary portals that transport audiences to six immersive environments inspired by artists’ respective diasporic identities. Tenderness and compassion will be an overarching theme of the exhibition. Softness will act as a conduit to ease guests into these soothing sanctuaries. As a reflection of the rich and diverse communities within Toronto, “Traces of Us” will centre on the work of Chinese, Moroccan, Iranian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian and South Indian artists. Visitors will engage with these environments at Stackt Market and the Drake Hotel through the use of motion graphics, sounds, textiles, paintings, film, sculptures, mixed media, and virtual reality. These portals will bridge our Toronto community to these recounted narratives of care, symbols of resistance, and chronicles of diasporic development. Our Virtual rendition of this exhibition recreates this experience, with the addition of a Palestinian sanctuary.

We would like to thank the Ontario Arts Council and Artizen Fund for their support on this program.