Ranging from photographs to paintings, the diversifying works from these three X University students uphold artistic visions 

By: Teresa Valenton

Cultivating a range of works from students in the X University creative industries program, the annual showcase event provided a platform for aspiring artists at the Great Hall in Toronto. 

On April 7, the Creative Industries Course Union (CICU) arranged their annual event to present the works of X University students in a gallery-style setting. Utilizing various mediums, each artist lays out an artistic vision to be carried throughout their works. The event is in person for the first time since 2019.

Though the creative industries program is the first of its kind in North America, the showcase presented an expanding presence in the works of students. And in selecting a specialization, aspiring creatives are provided resources to develop their skills. 

Shadi B, a first-year creative industries student, is specializing in fashion and communications. She diversifies her photographs by enhancing the natural beauty of individuals. Driven by ranging identities and the exploration of the human body, she seeks to enhance the viewing experience with colour. 

In her art, Shadi highlights the power of simplicity. By working alongside both film directors and models, she captures an unforeseen side of individuals through colour. 

In portraying a range of bodies, Shadi highlights a Black, queer individual photographed in front of Toronto’s Casa Loma to juxtapose history.

“I wanted to place a body that was never really thought of in the process of building the specific location,” she said. 

To reclaim a historically white space, Shadi’s goal was to showcase a “Black, beautiful queer body in a very powerful stance with bold makeup and fashion.” 

In curating a fun setting to take photographs, Shadi was most focused on empowering the individuals with which she was shooting. One of her models was a 15-year-old girl who had never been photographed prior to the shoot. 

“When she got in front of that camera, it’s like I had never seen someone come so alive before. It was really just picking the work that I have a special connection with,” Shadi said.

Throughout her journey to display these works at the showcase, Shadi realized the power in sharing her work with like-minded individuals. In honouring future goals as a creative, Shadi says she hopes to use these experiences as a reminder to keep making artwork.

Exploring traditional mediums such as paint, Brennan March, a fourth-year creative industries student, reconnects with loved ones through art. Specializing in fashion and film, March explores interpersonal emotions through his works.

While grieving the loss of a close individual, March utilizes art as a healing project — a vessel to express his emotions. Recalling memories from his childhood, he is brought back to an individual who first taught him about painting. 

“It was something that I did with them a lot, and so it was kind of a thing I wanted to do to connect with them again,” March said.

Portraying a time of self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, March recalls connecting with nature at a time when he felt disconnected from his peers. Fragments of these emotions are intertwined through both pieces.

“Both came out of me, like kind of feeling a rhythm with the things around me,” March said.

Drawn to sand as a means of imagery, he is reminded of the realities of adaptability.

“In my mind, it’s very surreal that a material on earth can take any shape and it’s just beautiful to look at,” March said.

Using this event as a catalyst to potentially display more works, March says he is hopeful to see where art takes him.

Driven by ideas of self-reflection and joyfulness, Imani Dominique Busby, a third-year creative industries student, highlights connectivity amid the pandemic. Working as an independent curator with specializations in fashion and curatorial practices, Busby relates to all aspects of visual art.

Exhibiting abstract portraits, Busby calls on individuals to reflect on the evolution of interpersonal identities amid the pandemic.

In abstracting Vermeer’s Girl With a Pearl Earring and depicting images of her close friends, Busby paints what is familiar to her own experiences. By utilizing high contrast colours like blue and orange, she represents joyfulness amid COVID-19. 

“These paintings are actually a series that I created in quarantine. They are all very colourful and the idea was to reflect the joy of individuals even though we can’t all be together during isolation,” said Busby. 

Viewing her work from an opposing perspective, Busby says she hopes viewers will become inspired to paint as well. Aware of her mission as an artist, Busby seeks to connect individuals to the joy of art.

“I want them to be inspired if they want to try painting as well. Maybe they could do it too, you know?”