Our friends at Banded Purple know how to put on a show — they’ve been producing provocative, push-the-envelope art and cultural events around Toronto since 2015. For their latest project, the all-outdoors Spaced Gallery (August 24 – September 24), they’re showcasing works by five Black photographers and creatives, with a staggered opening over seven days around the Queen and Ossington area (including part of the exhibition chez nous). The artists in the show also happen to be grant recipients of the Black Creators Fund, Banded Purple’s ongoing initiative to provide funding and opportunities to Black creators whose creative practices and incomes were hit disproportionately hard by the pandemic.
Bottom line? If you’re looking for an opportunity to wander, discover and appreciate new art outside the confines of a gallery, this is it. You’re welcome.
The artists featured in Spaced are — to put it mildly — a talented bunch. Banded Purple’s founder Duane Bobbsemple gave us the lowdown on how (and why) to see it all.
Who: Othello Grey
Where: 248 Ossington Ave.
Why: “Othello’s photos are visually stimulating and hyper-creative. Simply inspiring.”
Who: Jorian Charlton
Where: PERMISSION, 127 Ossington Ave.
Why: “Jorian’s usage of colour and space is exquisite, and there’s something authentic and honest about her subjects.”
Who: Mallory Lowe
Where: OCR, 145 Ossington Ave.
Why: “Mallory’s work is deeply thoughtful, explorative and avant-garde.”
Who: Jessie Emile
Where: I Miss You Vintage, 63 Ossington Ave.
Why: Her photos are pure, simple and stirring at the same time.”
Who: Curtiss Randolph
Where: 1082 Queen St. W.
Why: “Curtiss’ photography is a bit surreal. The photographs have an almost dreamlike quality to them, and his framing is next level.”