On longing, whirlwind and enchantment

Longing: the recognition of what could or what would have been if the circumstances were different.

Whirlwind: the intensity of emotions and inner chaos that was felt when everything came to a standstill.

Enchantment: finding the delight in the motion, murmurings and the unknown.

Living in Technicolour was an event showcase that explored senses, emotions and feelings associated with grasping the new realities that we live in. Longing, whirlwind and enchantment were the main themes of the show and each artist involved represented one or all of the themes throughout their work.

Kensington Kreators provided a grant to the Living in Technicolour collective to support the businesses, artists and performers in the community.

The event was brought to life by Ira Famarin, Maria Saleh, Abby Ho and Cathleen Calica on Sept.18, 2021 and included music, art installations and performances to honour the resiliency of store owners in Toronto’s Kensington Market throughout the financial fluctuations of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

“As an organizer, despite the setbacks that the pandemic created, it was so joyful to see everyone gathered in the same room again and coming together for the first time in a very long time,” says Ira Faramin.

Emerging artists and performers from Toronto were paired with small businesses to create an experimental and alternative lifeworld where art is as much of a necessity as a grocery store.

Living in Technicolour is living in the moment and embracing the current situation as it is.

**Dipped Donuts** was a mural drawn by hand with Posca paint markers by Wandy Cheng. Situated outside of the high-quality sweets shop on Baldwin Street, this creation expanded from the theme of *enchantment* and highlights the energy and vitality of Kensington Market during the summertime./ Photo courtesy Jerick Collantes

**Solar Transformers** was a tactile piece woven by Jana Ghalayini and inspired by Vintage Outlaw, a 1990’s based clothing outlet on Augusta Ave. Working with the colours at different volumes, the artist celebrates the energy of coming together./ Photo courtesy Jerick Collantes

**Dancing Days** is the one of the oldest clothing stores in the market, located on Kensington Ave. Upon entering the store, Jasmine Hawamdeh was immediately reminded of Palestination embroidery. Hawamdeh created three oil paintings that were inspired by the *longing* for liberation and “good vibes” of the store./ Photo courtesy Jerick Collantes

**Shqdel** releases energy through her visual, sonic and lyrical offerings and embodies *longing, whirlwind* and *enchantment.* Through melodic word-play and run-on sentences, Shqdel shares her internal dialogue and external observations through what she calls “sonic scribbles.”/ Photo courtesy Jerick Collantes

**Dahlia World’s** music showcase consists of four members: Sakako, Nefe, Emily Schlutz and Maya Gabriel. This group keeps community and compassion at its core. / Photo courtesy Jerick Collantes

**Sarah Itamah** is best described for her versatility in the music sphere. She is a rapper, lyricist and singer whose *whirlwind* tunes fuse classic sounds with new and modern twists./ Photo courtesy Jerick Collantes

About the author

Amy Fournier

Amy is a former reporter for Youth Mind. She is passionate about oat milk lattes, any film featuring Adam Driver, and tending to her tiny indoor Basil garden.

On longing, whirlwind and enchantment

About the author

Amy Fournier

Amy Fournier

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