Competition and Companionship
This interior mural created by Ning Yang as part of the 2023 CreateSpace Public Art Residency adds dynamism to the River Oaks Community Center in Oakville. The artwork was inspired by the spirit of sportsmanship within the community center.
Project at a glance
Location: River Oaks Community Centre Foyer, 2400 Sixth Line, Oakville, ON L6H 3M8
Artist: Ning Yang
Documentarian: Sofia Habib
Year: 2023
Service: Artist Capacity Building
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artist-in-residence
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interior walls
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community center
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municipal partner
About the project
2023 CreateSpace artist-in-residence Ning Yang worked with STEPS and the Town of Oakville to create public artwork inspired by the spirit of sportsmanship at the River Oaks Community Centre. The illustrated mural features a solo skater finding companionship in the rhythm of routine practices. Since the process of self-improvement in any field can often feel lonely, this illustration explores the sense of purpose competition can give to each individual.
During the residency, Ning participated in classes at River Oaks to conduct visual research for the artwork and connect with the community. The final piece is inspired by the commonalities and companionship found between attendees.
“This project took me out of my comfort zone, and I found myself enjoying a sense of kinship with the people coming here to practice their sportsmanship and craft with their community.”
About the artists
Ning Yang
Ning Yang is a designer and illustrator interested in visual identities, strategy and storytelling. Ning likes exploring the layered, collage-y creative process of mending illustrations with language and is interested in results that reflect as much of its emotional coming-of-age and creative processes as possible.
Partners and Funders
This project was in partnership with the Town of Oakville.
The 2023 CreateSpace Residency is supported by the Canada Council for the Arts and TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment. We also acknowledge the support of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation with funding provided by the Government of Canada.
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