Identity Through Creativity: A Measure of Being showcases the work of 2SLGBTQIA-identifying students

The Creative School partners with Cadillac Fairview to take over a retail store in Toronto Eaton Centre during Pride Month

By: Christine Aguilar

July 05, 2022

The exhibition, A Measure of Being, can be seen at CF Toronto Eaton Centre (external link, opens in new window) , from June 23 to July 9. Featuring the work of 2SLGBTQIA-identifying students this installation provides a space for the audience to reflect, confront and engage in the artists’ explorations around identity, self-expression, performance and presence.

In honour of Pride Month, The Creative School partnered with Cadillac Fairview (CF) to showcase and celebrate the works of 2SLGBTQIA-identifying students actively contributing to Toronto’s vast creative community. The retail space was generously provided by CF Toronto Eaton Centre.

Image of the entrance of the exhibition, A Measure of Being presented by The Creative School

A Measure of Being at Cadillac Fairview Toronto Eaton Centre

Curated by Caeden Wigston (external link, opens in new window) and Anne-Marie Cloutier (external link, opens in new window) , the duo approached the exhibition to ensure that the art represents a variety of Queer individuals’ experiences, from vulnerable to provoking. While not every project explicitly addresses 2SLGBTQIA+ topics, each project was deeply personal and unique.

“The most important thing that Anne-Marie and I wanted is to ensure was that each artist included is a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community,” Wigston says. “To me, it was important that we bring to the table the sides of the Queer community that can oftentimes get buried under a sea of rainbows - it is not always pretty, or colourful, but it is who we are.”

A Measure of Being features the work of:

Image of the exhibition, A Measure of Being, with fashion on mannequins in the centre of the room alongside a variety of photographs, video and mixed media

A Measure of Being is running June 23 to July 9 at Cadillac Fairview Toronto Eaton Centre. Image courtesy of Caeden Wigston

People engage with 2SLGBTQIA+ artistry everyday

“It is my hope that anyone who walks through the exhibit can truly appreciate the innovation, influence, and richness that Queer individuals bring to arts and culture. People engage with 2SLGBTQIA+ artistry everyday whether or not they are aware of it. Whether it be by the clothes they wear, the music they listen to, or the media they consume, there is a good chance it was designed/written/created by a Queer individual,” Wigston says. “I hope that through A Measure of Being, our viewers [will] be inspired by our stories and perhaps gain a greater appreciation for Queer artists.”

There is something confronting about exhibiting in a place where people do not normally expect to find art. Encountering art in an unexpected venue, with the focus on photography and fashion makes it all the more interesting. The mall can be thought of as a place where capitalism, creativity, community and identity intersect.

Collaboration, creativity and change comes from community

The Creative School facilitates a space where students can collaborate and co-create alongside a community of artists who work in different mediums. “It was my first time sharing exhibition space with students from the School of Fashion and it was really great to see how other people exercise their creativity through different mediums. The detail and ingenuity of the garments on display are truly incredible and definitely worth coming to see,” says Wigston.

The Creative School gives students the opportunity to push themselves, find community, and develop their own style and areas of focus, alongside practical opportunities to pursue interests in arts administration and curation, among other things. Wigston and Cloutier’s success curating and assisting with the School of Image Arts year-end exhibition, Maximum Exposure, (external link, opens in new window) as well as an experimental film and digital media program, led to the opportunity to curate A Measure of Being.

Tangible support for artists is essential

For those wondering how to support artists, Wigston is clear that there is so much beyond social media engagement. Aptly pointing out that this is a craft, one honed through personal sacrifice and commitment, and that people can support artists’ work by hiring, purchasing and recommending them for opportunities. “It is incredibly important to adequately pay artists for their work. We pour so much of our time and energy into perfecting our craft and many of us work more than one job to support our creative practice.”

“Cadillac Fairview is committed to partnering with local artists to create vibrant and engaging spaces that reflect the communities that we’re proud to be a part of,” said Sheila Jennings, General Manager, CF Toronto Eaton Centre. “Our centre is located in the heart of city and through our partnership, we’re hopeful to provide widespread awareness and community access to these talented individuals and their inspiring creations.”

Art has the power to tell stories, create understanding and bring about cultural and social change. As the next generation of artists continue to tell their stories and take up space - the future may not be mere rainbows, but it will be bright.

About The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University

The Creative School is a dynamic faculty at Toronto Metropolitan University making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Comprised of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.