On longing, whirlwind and enchantment

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

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

3. 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.