Manifesto Highlight: Sacred Seven Gallery
The base resonated energy at 918 Bathurst as a multitude of artists, both local and international, filled the Sacred Seven Art Gallery Exhibition. The walls filled with colour, texture, soul and meaning, bringing spirit to the event, held by Manifesto’s 7th Annual Festival of community and culture.
Dazaunggee, the artist headliner, who exhibited sculptures, carvings, hangings and paintings shared his wisdom as an aboriginal elder through his works.
“The whole idea about my paintings, and about my stories, and about my visions... the work that I have done, is to find that fire again – so I could be myself, so I could know what it is like to be a man, the man I was intended to be,” says, Dazaunggee. A tall wooden sculpture of a woman, stood protectively near him, representing the healing and progression of the human spirit.
Energy spawning through the DJ cultivated into dance circles, b-boy battles and a true representation of the city’s hip- hop culture was present.
“I am trying to combine some things in this art with both Toronto and Brazil, to show my experience of being here.” – Wark Da Rocinha
Swirls of colours exploded off the lit canvas, souls were captivated in deep stares with eyes clearly drawn to the beauty within the wall hangings. Messages encrypted in each stroke filled the room with inspiration. Providing the landscape for the Floor Awards ceremony that was simultaneously occurring with the dance community, recognizing
individuals with awards like the “Education & Mentorship Award”, “T.O. Legend” and Artist of the Year.
Along with the local Canadian talent, a variety of artists from the international scene created an eclectic nature of community and culture. “I am trying to combine some things in this art with both Toronto and Brazil, to show my experience of being here,” explains Wark Da Rocinha, a young and tremendously talented artist from Brazil, whose warmth illuminated the canvas with tropical style, during his live graffiti show. His work was also featured inside, and the diversity in his abilities, was a quality shared by a few of the other artists featured.
From wooden caricatures of the Wu-Tang Clan to the paintings on the wall spirit filled the venue with passion. Fires were lit, souls were touched and the place was alive.
Words & Photos By. Dinusha Wijemanne
Please Note: This was originally published via Urbanology Magazine.