The Pavilion, a photographic exhibit exploring the theme of "Making Place"
The Pavilion is an outdoor photography exhibition curated by Sabrine S. Hakam, with artistic guidance from Sarah N. Ahmad, showcasing the works of seven local photographers, Abel Tesfaldet, Jae Yang, Murphy Owusu, Laura Dittmann, Aleksandar Janicijevic, Rahma Alim, Vincenzo Pietropaolo, and produced by Jamii. This exhibit explores the theme of ‘making place’ with images that touch upon social and cultural topics that we hope resonates with local residents and the wider community. This project is part of Jamii’s ongoing commitment to co-create public art and community gathering in The Esplanade neighbourhood.
Location: David Crombie Park, across from Market Lane Public School.
Unveiled on Friday, May 10, 2024
On display from May to November 2024
As part of
CREDITS
Producer: Jamii
Photographers: Abel Tesfaldet, Jae Yang, Murphy Owusu, Laura Dittmann, Aleksandar Janicijevic, Rahma Alim, Vincenzo Pietropaolo
Curator: Sabrine S. Hakam
Artistic Advisor: Sarah N. Ahmad
Project Director: Isorine Marc
Project Coordinator: May Chook
Graphic Designer: Iris Unlu
Project Administrator: Yusra Yacout
ARTISTIC STATEMENT BY SARAH N. AHMAD
Public spaces, or the urban commons, such as this one provide opportunities for citizen artists to express themselves and gain visibility. This project is strategically displayed along the pedestrian spine of the Esplanade neighbourhood drawing attention to this overlooked ‘Pavilion’. This otherwise unnoticed structure has been creatively activated to emphasise the impact of art for a community and the built environment.
The exhibit and its proximity to other works of co-created public art pay homage to the socio spatial richness of the neighbourhood. These images showcase the talent of community-based photographers, and their installation here provides them the legitimacy of representation in the physical urban space.
Displayed together, these images tell powerful stories about the multiple ways city life is represented and experienced.
This project is an example of how public art makes space for ideas, representation and community gathering. It is my hope that the unconventional reclaiming of this ‘Pavilion’ will draw attention to the continued need for tactical urbanism and creative ‘placemaking’.
ABOUT SARAH N. AHMAD:
An urbanist and creative placemaker, Sarah N. Ahmad uses her background in urban design and policy to activate public places through the arts. Sarah's international portfolio spans cultural programming, community and urban arts, policy-making and advocating for sustainable streets and commons. Exploring the diverse socio-spatial fabric of The Esplanade with Jamii has been an enriching experience for Sarah and motivates her to continue the co-creation of artistic and cultural experiences in the city.
ARTISTIC STATEMENT BY SABRINE S. HAKAM:
The varied practices of placemaking take center stage in this collection of photographs, illustrating how individuals and communities actively engage with their surroundings to create meaningful spaces. They speak to our ability to imprint our identities onto physical landscapes, thereby transforming mere spaces into sites of significance and belonging. Viewed in sequence, these photographs reveal both the potential for empowerment through spatial agency, and the challenges posed by spatial inequalities.
Whether it is human activity or empty spaces, the photographs provide a nuanced understanding of the intricate interplay between individuals, groups, and their environments. They demonstrate how everyday practices become the building blocks of social life by sustaining communities and shaping the very landscape they inhabit. Each photograph invites us to critically examine the ways in which individuals and communities negotiate space, navigate social relations, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of their landscapes.
The exhibit itself is presented in the newly revamped and freshly dubbed ‘The Pavilion,’ which has transformed an underused and neglected area in The Esplanade neighborhood into a vibrant and welcoming place. A pavilion is a free-standing structure or building, often found in parks, gardens, or public spaces, designed for shelter, recreation, or ornamental purposes. With the upcoming exhibit centered on ‘The Pavilion’, the aim is to foster social interaction, celebrate creativity, and strengthen a sense of community identity by creating this particular space.
ABOUT SABRINE S. HAKAM:
As an artist, academic, and educator, Sabrine S. Hakam's creative journey is deeply rooted in the exploration of identity, representation, and the intersectionality of human experiences. The aim of her work is to engage in a multidisciplinary exploration of subjects and imbue them with an artistic perspective that transcends the boundaries of traditional discourse. By situating her work at the nexus of academia and art, Sabrine seeks to bridge the gap between scholarly inquiry and human connection in order to achieve a more empathetic view of the world.
In May 2024, Sabrine will be showcasing her latest project, ‘We are our Words,’ at Mackenzie House in collaboration with Toronto History Museums. Her previous work with Jamii includes a series of workshops culminating in an outdoor exhibit titled ‘Calyx’ as well as her ongoing work on Culture Cloths. Sabrine's previous work includes a solo exhibit at Artscape Regent Park as part of the Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival, and an exhibit at Toronto Fashion Week with Fashion Art Toronto (FAT) in 2023. With each project, Sabrine invites viewers to engage with themes of history, identity, and social consciousness, challenging perspectives and fostering meaningful connections through art.
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