The Shoot 4 Change sub/Culture Exhibition was part of a photography workshop and gallery put together by a group of U of T OISE students. Fourteen kids aged 13-19, from all over Toronto, were educated on the topic of social justice in a two-day seminar. Following that, they were given use of SLR cameras and guidance by a group of established photogs as they set out to capture images of our city. The aim: to establish an idea of society and their own consciousness through purely visual means. The results are both intriguing and inspiring.
Studio space was provided by Manifesto; a non-profit organization aimed at promoting Toronto’s arts and music and organizers of the Manifesto Festival Of Music, Art & Culture [link]. The gallery was also supported by Young Diplomats, an organization that aims to engage Ethiopian youth by working with students from at-risk neighbourhoods in Toronto, including Galloway, Vic Park, Teasdale and Jane & Finch.
This sub/Culture event aimed to allow young artists to develop ownership of their identities and engage in issues of social justice. The OISE student organizers we met at the event said they wanted to “empower leaders, free from cultural taboo” and let them know that “being an artist is O.K.”.
Lami Diallo became involved three weeks ago. “There’s always something new to see in Kensington”, she told us. Through her photographs, Lami captured the intersection of culture and architecture in the area and revealed that this was a place where “old meets new”, a place of mixed cultures exemplary of our city. The diversity of busy life was something that Betty Naizgh, another student-photographer, witnessed during the project. Speaking of her inspiration, she imparted the platitude “art captures you”.
In a photo slide show, these young photographers were given a chance to tell their story. The photos, taken in Kensington Market and the surrounding area, demonstrated the naive and curious perspective of youth. A homeless woman on the street, a busker playing guitar, a pigeon flying past a wall of graffiti; some of these shots struck me with the uncomplicated beauty that exists in the mundane, urban world otherwise overlooked in pursuit of more noble ideals. While it may seem trite to praise such simple perspective, it would be true folly to deny oneself a chance to wonder in the midst of the ordinary, to believe that truth exists only outside the realm of the pedestrian.
Shoot 4 Change succeeds by engaging university students in the community and giving less fortunate youth a creative outlet and appreciation they would otherwise be denied.
