CreateSpace Public Art Forum Gallery
As part of the 2024 CreateSpace Public Art Forum, youth and emerging artists gained networking, mentorship, and public art skills through online artist talks and peer engagement. Participants created public art proposals in response to a mock Terms of Reference (TOR).
This online gallery features artist proposals for a site in Calgary, Alberta.
Terms of Reference (Calgary, Alberta)
The Terms of Reference provided participants with a project brief, public art objectives, design considerations, artwork themes, community background, proposed location, and other proposal guidelines. This gallery showcases participants who designed interactive public artwork in Olympic Plaza in downtown Calgary (an urban park at the heart of the city’s downtown arts and culture scene).
CreateSpace Public Art Forum participant mural proposals reflect the goals of:
- Aesthetic enhancement
- Interactive public art
- Community engagement
- Reflection of unique and historical identity
- Long-term preservation
- Unifying the community
“One of the notable strengths of STEPS was commitment to fostering a supportive community among emerging artists. The networking opportunities allowed me to connect with established artists, industry professionals, and like-minded peers.”
“STEPS program excelled in teaching us innovative ways to create art. I highly recommend this program as it provides a wonderful opportunity to broaden our artistic horizons.”
CreateSpace Public Art Forum Participant Artwork
Hover over the image and click the arrow to see the public art proposals and the emerging artists who created an artistic response to the site location (Olympic Plaza in Calgary, Alberta).
All credits and image rights go to the artists and their accompanying artwork.
Safa pt.2; Water the Roots by Amelya N.S.H. (they/she)
Artist statement
Safa, was created with the first and last two letters of the Ghanaian word Sankofa. Often represented with a bird looking backwards, Sankofa symbolizes looking towards the past to protect our future. Here we see Safa looking towards an image of an adult holding a child, perched atop of a large tree trunk. The tree, representing our roots, guides viewer to look within; to see chains within the trees’ window.
Artist bio
Amelya N.S.H. (They/She) is a multidisciplinary creative based in Tio’tia:ke/Montreal specializing in Sound Engineering, Film Production, and Music Technology, with five years of experience running their Production Studio, Apt. 6. In 2020, they graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor’s in Music and Music Technology. Shortly after, in 2021, they attended the film production program at L’Institut de Image et du Son, Being Black in Canada. During this time, she directed her Netflix-sponsored documentary, ‘Sense of Space, ‘ premiering at the Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, and Montreal International Black Film Festivals.
Seeding Space by Carah Ali / thirdeyepokes
Artist statement
Inspired by the Olympic Rings, this project is a playful take on the interconnectedness of the Calgary community: the people and the natural land. This design’s “Kissing Chair” style reflects the present-day use of the plaza, where different festivities connect the greater community. The inclusion of Native plant beds invites conversation between the local community and the native flora.
Artist bio
Carah Ali’s work explores themes of spirituality, love, connection, and queerness. She primarily uses the permanent art form of hand poke tattoo to explore these personal and, simultaneously, universal themes. The practice of tattoos enables her to connect with the greater community of Tkaronto/Toronto in a very personal and intimate way. While hand poking allows her to financially exist as an artist in the early years of her artist career, she also explores other mediums such as painting, weaving, and digital painting. In the past few years, she has shown her fine artwork around the city of Tkaronto/Toronto. Carah Ali continuously explores the world’s meaning through her innate desire and need to connect to art. She is usually based in Ontario but has recently made new community connections while living in Tiohia:ke/ Montreal this past summer.
Out of Place, Out of Space by Christiana Ceesay (she/her)
Artist statement
“Out of Place, Out of Space” is a response to an image of a person lying down on a bench in the park. These sculptures are made for lounging, sparking the question of what it means to be a meeting place and who is accepted into that space. In the past few years, there has been a rise in hostile architecture intended to prevent unhoused folks from finding shelter. This is troubling, especially when there are already so few public places available. “Out of Place, Out of Space” asks its viewers to consider where those not welcomed in meeting areas are supposed to go.
Artist bio
Christiana Ceesay is an image maker who mainly uses photography but also creates digital works and mixed media installations. Her work is playful but inquisitive. She uses art as a way to either ask a question or find an answer.
The Unknown Dweller by Destynee Charles
Artist statement
This Unknown Dweller carved from sandstone and its large presence is a physical representation and reminder of the precarious housing situation that many residents find themselves in across multiple Canadian cities. The Unknown Dweller will be a man hunched over and exposed in the city. Sandstone is not the most durable material for outdoor sculptures as it tends to become worn down from exposure to rain and wind – this is intentional and acts as a reminder of what can happen to us as humans when we’re left outside unattended to and unwittingly exposed to the elements. The longer the sculpture remains outdoors, the more broken down it will become, similar to people who are left on the streets in the harshest of elements. Over time, with exposure, the sculpture will erode and lose form as well as mass, which serves as a daily reminder to those who pass through Olympic Plaza, that the longer we ignore the compounding crises that lead to homelessness, the more people will be lost.
Artist bio
Born in Scarborough to a competitive dancer and costume designer, art, whether physical or visual, has always been a part of my existence. Physically, I express my art through dance and modelling. I use dance to engage with other artists like singers, musicians and costume designers. Holding the belief that art is meant to be shared and transformed, I live this belief by teaching the next generation across many communities. My visual art career began with designing small costumes from what little materials I could get my hands on when I was a toddler. As I matured in the Caribbean Carnival scene, I honed this love of creation by designing kids’ costumes, and I now conceptualize and even construct the costumes I perform and compete in. Beyond these cultural displays, my visual artistry includes printmaking, beading and airbrushing. A lot of praise goes to my high school art teacher, who first exposed me to different art mediums and eventually planted the seed that would grow into my fondness for printmaking. Whether in physical or visual art form, my work focuses on the body and how it feels within itself and in its world. At this time and in society, the idea of feelings within and around the body is very personal to me and relevant.
Be All Ears by Elpis Artist
Artist statement
“Be all ears” means eager to hear, listening attentively. The large sculptural work is composed of two main parts – a fibreglass ear and a bronze trumpet. Music will be played when one stands at the bell of the trumpet and speaks into the interactive installation.
Artist bio
Elpis was born and bred in Hong Kong and studied for a Master of Science in International Relations in Bristol, UK. Elpis believes art is inseparable from society. Elpis enjoys writing and painting within a social and political context to convey love, hope, freedom, and human rights messages. This series of paintings was inspired by the Hong Kong 2019 movement to express the fight for justice and human rights.
Canada’s Diversity of Food and Activism by HunyahTravels (she/her)
Artist statement
I visited Calgary in 2021 and have seen what life is like there. Western Canada is very different from Eastern Canada, for example from Ontario. Being a South Asian, I can relate to activism and diversity in Canada through South Asia and Canadian culture through food. As an artist and pageant competitor, your cause speaks a lot about diversity. The crown with blue and pink jewels represents where I’m in my life . Biryani and South Asian food are the foods that I grew up eating, along with fried chicken meals. Fried chicken restaurants are everywhere; many cultures have fried chicken recipes. Food is an art representing Canada’s culture and activism as a person of colour.
Artist bio
Hunyah Irfan is a community service postgraduate student at the University of Toronto who will graduate in 2024. Hunyah is a content creator, author, poet, chef, stand-up comedian pageant competitor and pageant coach.
The Kitchen by Jennifer Fong (she/her)
Artist statement
Cross-culturally and trans-historically, people gather around the sharing of food. The Kitchen is inspired by Olympic Park’s annual pancake breakfast. This piece includes benches painted like stoves in 3 heights (referencing the park’s history of Olympic medal ceremonies), a community fridge, and magnetic boards that encourage the public to add to The Kitchen. This piece encourages community engagement, supports food equality, and celebrates the liveliness of the area.
Artist bio
Jennifer Fong is an emerging, interdisciplinary artist. She works as an actor in theatre and film, and she works primarily with paint and collage in her visual arts practice. She is interested in exploring the intersection between visual and performing arts and creating work that engages her community.
All together by MaelSir
Artist statement
This piece focuses on community unity, representing a meeting point between history and the present day. The sculpture physically reminds us of symbols representing its surroundings: an Olympic medal, a pancake (the bottom is “eaten out”) and an ice ring that melts into hands holding together. This last element, sitting on top of the white granite structure, is the main feature since it honours the Olympic Plaza as an important national gathering point.
Artist bio
MaelSir is a bilingual slam poetry artist with close to 15 years of experience as a master of ceremonies, coach and performer, from the Toronto book fair to Moncton’s “Festival International de Slam/Poésie Acadie” and internationally in France, Belgium and Senegal. Inspired by rap, his rhythm and musicality were heard in the finals of the prestigious interuniversity contest “Délie ta langue” and also in his short-movie “Slambahia”, finalist for the pan-canadian contest “La Course des Régions”. MaelSir has coached 2 years in a row both the “Slam Jeunesse” winners and “Slam Est-du-Québec” finalists. He has also created the non-profit “Slamavoix”, behind a dozen shows, workshops and artistic residencies. These initiatives brought together close to a hundred artists, from Vancouver’s Rachel Chiu (American Idol participant) to slam poetry world championship medalists LordMykeJam and Chadeline Faïder. World champion Simon Landry and “Slam Jeunesse” emerging artists have also performed for Slamavoix, before hundreds of spectators and students.
Tethered Harmony by Medea Rasheed (she/her)
Artist statement
“Tethered Harmony” is an interactive public art installation in Olympic Plaza, showcasing the calligraphic Arabic letter “waw.” Representing Calgary’s cultural richness, “waw” symbolizes beauty and grace, embodying the concept of connection in certain linguistic contexts. The letters dynamically light up as the public approach the installation; mirroring the colours of the 1988 Winter Olympics medal ceremonies. This signifies the vibrant and dynamic nature of the plaza as a central hub.
Artist bio
Emerging artist and design researcher Medea Rasheed’s journey, spans borders and artistic realms. Balancing her studies at the University of Waterloo’s School of Planning, she cultivated a passion for creativity alongside her minor in entrepreneurship and fine arts. An ArtsPay Incubator alumna, she specialized in the intricate interplay of calligraphy and acrylic painting. After graduating from the Artrepreneur program by York Region Arts Council in 2021, she began and is still currently undergoing her formal apprenticeship in traditional calligraphy under the esteemed Master calligrapher Haji Noor Deen. Her journey extends further after completing the Professional Practices for Artists program offered by Brampton Arts Organisation, which enriched her artistic career. The success of her first calligraphic public art installation, “Intersection of Identities,” kindled a passion within her that magnified her creative footprint. In 2022, she then created her first large mural in Carleton University’s Innovation Hub to extend her dedication to transmuting emotions into tangible forms that enliven public spaces. Currently pursuing her Master of Design degree, she explores the relationship between calligraphic public art and its influence on our well-being. Her aspirations unfold toward a horizon of enriched community engagement while fostering innovation.
Olympic by Indoléstic (he/him)
Artist statement
Self-entitled ‘Olympic’ is a homage to greatness. Our public artwork for Olympic Plaza weaves Calgary’s past, present, and future. Nodding to Indigenous heritage with a Bee for growth, it traverses the Olympic legacy and celebrates arts and culture evolution. A dynamic stage fosters community engagement, ensuring a lasting, harmonious impact on our shared urban canvas.
Artist bio
Indolestic´s artwork explores the interconnectedness of creativity in daily living, urban life, nature, and technology divide, happiness, and the online world. His process involves layer sampling to create a collage-like effect that reflects the complexity of modern society. He draws from various media, including digital illustration, animation, and video, to create dynamic and engaging pieces.
Bottled Up Teardrop by SKWINTS (she/her)
Artist statement
The artwork explores the commonality of our bottled up feelings, which can stem from various emotions like depression, anxiety, or loneliness. The space offers individuals to express their current state of mind by writing on recyclable plastic bottles that will be placed inside the teardrop. It aims to raise awareness and guide our thoughts and actions for a clean environment, which can help improve our mental health and well-being.
Artist bio
SKWINTS (she/her) is a photographer, editor, graphic designer and aspiring DP. She holds a BFA in Film Production and executes cinematic and artistic projects through various mixed mediums.
Memory Box by Saba Sharifi (she/her)
Artist statement
“Memory Box” is an interactive sculpture which acts as a vessel to gather an archive of stories and Images of Olympic Plaza. Inspired by Raree shows, which were famous storytelling devices before television in the 17th century, this contemporary rendition brings the community together to tell their own story of the Olympic Plaza. The body contains windows through which people can look into the moving images and stories of Olympic Plaza and the history of its land.
Artist bio
As a conceptual artist, I aim to share stories of my experiences within my culture, immigration, identity, and mental illness. Currently based in Tkaronto (Toronto), I’m a first-generation immigrant born and raised in Tehran, Iran. My practice visualizes these experiences through digital manipulations, experimental lens-based processes, and print media. Layers of textures, expressive imagery, and calligraphy echo stories of the environment in which I was raised and continue to grow. Recently, I have been exploring traditional Persian crafts and processes alongside an experimental digital approach, such as tile making and illustrative calligraphy. While I continue to explore my studio practice, I am expanding into curatorial projects and public art. Collaborating with people and pushing to create welcoming spaces for vulnerability and sharing seems to be the obvious next step in my artistic journey. How my practice and work contribute to my community has shaped my most recent project, “A Cup of Tea,” which explores the act of drinking tea in Iranian culture and the stories exchanged over a cup of tea.
Where thee rest by Sama Al-Hayani (she/her)
Artist statement
“Where thee rest” is a more of a artistic/design piece with a purpose to shelter animals and humans during their stay at the Olympic Plaza at Calgary, AB. The piece is mostly made of out wood and metal. But I have a digital version of the piece (like a concept drawing). My intention was to create a shared space between human and animals, which does not harm any. I want the public to enjoy it by using it as a means to shelter themselves from the sun or maybe the rain, or sit under it and enjoy picnic with family and friends. In a sense I aspire to create place of community, a place of shelter, harmony and coexistence between animals and humans. Of course without harming the animals. Essential its shaped as a hockey rink with the hockey sticks as the object that provides shade, and the hockey pucks as the bird house.
Artist bio
Hello, my name is Sama Al-Hayani I was born in Baghdad, Iraq. I left due to war and moved to Syria in 2007. I lived in Syria for four years till the civil war in 2011. I came to Canada with my parents and siblings at the age of 6 1⁄2. I have lived here for 12 years now. Ever since Syria, I have been drawing and illustrating. I always enjoyed art/design and wanted to find ways to express my heritage and culture without feeling ashamed. I specialize more in graphic design and digital art. My artwork surrounds depictions of mundane events or any events that I am grateful for because those everyday moments could fade away at any time.
Olympic Plaza Arch by Serena Zena (she/her)
Artist statement
Calgary’s Olympic Plaza currently stands in the heart of the city’s bustling downtown, bordering Chinatown. Within its grounds lies a rich history of the surrounding community in the bricks that bear the engraved names of Calgary Citizens from the 1980s. This piece seeks to resonate with the diverse communities of Calgary, paying homage to its rich heritage by incorporating a Chinatown gate constructed from meticulously crafted glass replicas of the iconic Olympic ’88 bricks.
Artist bio
Serena Walk (she/her) is an emerging artist currently based in Canada. Her practice examines the ways colonialism, orientalism, and white supremacy have shaped many experiences within the Asian diaspora. Her work explores themes of identity, cultural preservation, and Asian futurism through both traditional and emergent media ranging from textiles to extended reality.
Tell Your Story… by Shivanya Ra (they/them)
Artist statement
How do you express your story in a dynamic, diverse city you proudly call home? Do you communicate your stories verbally or through creative outlets? “Tell Your Story…” invites you to articulate your experiences without a single word – by using shapes and colours. Embodying the idea that everyone’s unique perspective and worldview is treasured and worthy of being shared and reflected. This interactive platform enables you to interlace your authenticity into the collective narrative of Calgary, promoting mutual learning through diverse expressions of shapes, colours, touch , play and creativity.
Artist bio
Originally born and raised in the Okanagan Valley in British Colombia, the traditional, ancestral and unceded land of the Syilx/Okanagan Nation, Shivanya Ra (They/Them/She/Her). I moved to New Brunswick in 2019 and have since then been pursuing an undergraduate education at Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB, located on the unceded ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq. Ra is an emerging mixed media artist, curator, independent researcher, and graduating Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) student at Mount Allison University: Pierre Lassonde School of Fine Arts, who is Autistic with Aphantasia. They use visual arts to construct language and communication in creating authentic spaces and experiences that use art as a catalyst to break down barriers, stereotypes, and boundaries, which can then build bridges of understanding. They create to bring inclusive spaces into focus, where voices can be listened to, stigmatized bodies and environments can be seen, and human expressions can be shared authentically. Their motto is “If you’re destined to be a little odd, you might as well defy the odds.”
Land of the rocks by Taleb Choucair (he/him)
Artist statement
In our vision for a space where freedom and artistic expression transcend boundaries, STEPS Public Art’s mission takes center stage. Empowering artists and fostering a strong sense of community through creative design and art, this project stands as a collaborative representation of Calgary’s rich history. The sculptures, embellished with vibrant motifs from the Bearspaw First Nation and the exclusive Crystal Ammolite found along the Oldman River and the St. Mary River where the Bearpaw Formations in southern Alberta are home to, weave an immersive refined experience of cultural diversity, and history.
These sculptures serve as more than mere symbols; they embody layers of color that reflect both geographical and artistic history. Drawing inspiration from the reflective design of Crystal Ammolite, the interactive sculptures engage park-goers with their lustrous reflections. As the sun’s rays reflect on the surfaces, the sculptures become a dynamic canvas, mirroring the intricate history of the location. They also make a great mirror for pictures in the park .
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these sculptures act as engaging momentos to the past. Patrons are invited to explore the vibrant tapestry of the community through an artful lens, making history an interactive and enjoyable experience. Join us in celebrating the convergence of art, history, and community, as we invite you to immerse yourself in this unique exploration of Calgary’s cultural heritage. This project not only symbolizes our commitment to artistic expression but also becomes a living testament to the richness and diversity of our community culture and geographical history.
Artist bio
Taleb, an artist. Driven by genuine expression and creativity.
Milkweeds and Monarchs by Vishwa Patel
Artist statement
In front of a tree in Calgary’s Olympic Plaza, my public sculpture celebrates the city’s role as a migratory haven for monarch butterflies. A sculpture of a monarch is surrounded by real milkweed plants and symbolizes a vital refueling station along their journey. This artwork invites viewers appreciate nature interacting with art, and shows the importance of preserving green spaces in cities as crucial sanctuaries for monarchs, contributing to the conservation efforts for these animals.
Artist bio
Vishwa Patel is an emerging interdisciplinary artist and curator based in Toronto, Ontario. She is currently pursuing a BFA at OCAD University, majoring in Drawing & Painting and minoring in Sustainability. Most of her creative endeavours are based around oil painting, although she experiments and creates work with various disciplines, including embroidery, photography, drawing, watercolour, and relief printmaking. Vishwa’s current body of work and research explores symmetry and sacred geometry in classical Indian dance, temple architecture, and Indian culture. She also makes work about her experience with diaspora, fluid cultural identities, the natural world, and how the Anthropocene affects the environment. Using researched and developed methodologies, Vishwa continues to develop a distinct style, including sharp contrasts between warm and cool hues, a combination of representational and abstract, full-colour palettes, and expressive techniques. After participating in an exhibition fellowship, Vishwa has co-curated multiple exhibitions and was the lead curator on two of them.
Funders
CreateSpace Public Art Forum has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada and Canada Council for the Arts.
Ce projet a été rendu possible en partie grâce au gouvernement du Canada et Canada Council for the Arts.
