OCAD University

The work of two IAMD MFA candidates is featured in this week's Toronto Star, representing the cultural diversity and variety of work produced by the OCAD student body.

Thomas Haskell's thesis work Mas-Queer-Raid is a collection of sculptures "that are inspired by the folklore of the annual carnival showing his multi-faceted heritage" as a European creole born and raised in Trinidad. More on his work can be found online: www.instagram.com/tshaskell

Mariam Magsi's thesis work Purdah is focused on imagery of Muslim identity and expression specific to the practice of women wearing burkas. Speaking to her work, Magsi states that "'Photography has the power for social change and it can shift perceptions'...adding that she hopes the storytelling and images can inspire viewers to question their own assumptions and biases against women in burkas." More on her work can be found online: www.mariammagsi.com

These two students, along with 10 others in the IAMD program, are exhibitiing artwork in OCAD University's 102nd Graduate Exhibition, a five day cross-campus exhibition of the work of more than 900 undergraduate and graduate students.

Artwork by all participating IAMD students is on view in GradEX from May 3 - 7, 2017 in the Ada Slaight Gallery on the second floor at 100 McCaul Street.

GradEx opening hours:

Opening Night Celebration Wednesday, May 3, 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Thursday, May 4, 9:30 a.m.– 8 p.m.
Friday, May 5, 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 6, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 7, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The full Toronto Star article can be read online here: www.thestar.com/news/immigration/2017/04/27/asian-ocad-students-mock-resum-forces-others-to-see-who-i-am.html

More on the Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design program: www.ocadu.ca/academics/graduate-studies/art-media-design-masters.htm

Sean Martindale, an alumnus from the Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design program, was recently interviewed for Spacing Toronto.

In this interview Martindale discusses his public art and community-based practice which has included site-specific installations, street murals, and interventions into public spaces throughout Toronto (and beyond).

On the role of public art Martindale responds "I think art can play many different roles in the city. Public art can raise awareness and create dialogue and hopefully also create action around political issues. Much of our culture today is divided and people stay in their own echo chambers, they only hear the same opinions fed back to them and only seek out the same. For me, the role of public art is in starting a conversation where the issue is situated."

Read the full interview online: http://spacing.ca/toronto/2017/03/27/artful-city-interview-sean-martindale/

More information on the IAMD program: http://www.ocadu.ca/academics/graduate-studies/art-media-design-masters.htm