BIPOC Women Celebrated in Toronto’s East End with New Art Installation – Toronto | The Canadian News

An art installation on Toronto’s eastern edge commemorates five BIPOC women for their contributions to their communities.

On saturday In our nature art project was unveiled at the Toronto Zoo. The mural features portraits of community leaders, mentors, social activists and artists in Scarborough.

“Often times, that work is done by indigenous women, black women, women of color, and other underrepresented communities,” said Shafia Shaikh, the lead artist for the EWOC Project (Equity of Women of Color).

Each portrait is painted with floral designs and greenery that are expected to fade over time to show the women emerging from the background. Viewers can also scan the QR codes attached to each portrait to learn more about the women featured.

Shaikh said the purpose of the mural is to empower the women of BIPOC, change the narrative about safety and create a sense of belonging in their community.

“Too often they are not really represented or many times they are not recognized or undervalued for the work they do, so we really hope that by highlighting these five people, we can start that conversation about what community care is like and who is leading the way. most of that workforce, ”Shaikh said.

Lady Pearline Hamilton Morris is a community worker in Scarborough and was one of the women featured. She thanked the women who do their part to support members of her community.

“Let us work together as women of culture. We could be from different cultures, different parts of the earth, of the world, but I say we are one, ”Morris said.

In our nature is part of the City of Toronto’s Cultural Hotspot Signature project, in collaboration with Mural Routes, the EWOC Project, the Toronto Zoo, and The Community Arts Guild.

QR codes are also attached to listen to The Community Arts Guild choir through their phones while viewing the paintings.

The final reveal was scheduled for October 16.

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