BigArtTO at UTSC Student Centre

^{Image still from "Sanctuary" by Zebv Diez}

BigArtTO featuring Zebv Diez, Malik McKoy, and Shelby Doerfler

Presented with Toronto Animated Image Society

With Special Thanks to University of Toronto Scarborough

Wednesday November 10 - Saturday November 13, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm nightly.

Toronto Animated Image Society  is dedicated to exploring and promoting the art of independent animation through production, screenings, workshops, and exhibitions.

"Sanctuary" by Zebv Diez
"Sanctuary" is a collective animation that deals with and reflects on the feelings of isolation, vanity and longing. The vulnerability of the work comes from feelings of inadequacy, not having a space to belong to. So, I’ve created pockets of spaces that cater to me in a form of escapism. These shallow empty spaces and the obsession for beauty are interwoven to create stoic but cold empty spaces. Zebv Diez is a digital artist, currently studying in OCAD University for animation and digital painting. His body of work explores the ideas of identity and navigating predominant western spaces. Born in the Philippines, he uses his experiences as an immigrant to create idealized spaces and to portray the experiences of marginalized bodies.

"abuzz" by Malik McKoy 
"abuzz" is a 3D animated loop produced using Cinema 4D. Situated against a simple background is a composition of abstract 3D forms. Within the glowing green form, butterflies are seen fluttering in and out of the bounds, going in and out of focus as the form expands and contracts. What inspired this piece was the optimism, or lack thereof, for returning back to a normal social life whilst trying our best to maintain relationships virtually. Malik McKoy recently graduated from OCAD University with a BFA from the Drawing and Painting program. McKoy has also recently graduated from Seneca’s Game Art and Animation program. McKoy’s practice consists of painting and producing computer-generated 3D visuals. Straddling the line between analog and digital, McKoy attempts to create an intersection of both mediums through world-building. While vibrant and playful, the subject matter of his work is subdued and references the artist’s everyday life experiences navigated through an intersectional lens.

“Digital Identity” by Shelby Doerfler
“Digital Identity” is a short film about Internet phenomena, centered around virtual avatars and how they can be used to escape reality. There is comfort in the anonymity that VR offers that can make communication easier. However, this film explores when an obsession is developed and a person wishes to escape their life and become one with the Internet. Shelby Doerfler is a mixed media artist from Toronto with a completed Bachelor of Fine Arts from OCADU. Her work is focused on human experience through popular culture and communication.

About BigArtTO: Explore Art Across The City

Experience art illuminated at BigArtTO, a city-wide public art celebration featuring free access to temporary public artworks projected onto local buildings and landmarks. Created by Toronto artists, the projections will play on a loop so that visitors can arrive at any time. Part of ShowLoveTO.

BigArtTO is the result of a collaboration between the City of Toronto with OCAD University and AVA Animation & Visual Arts Inc.

View all BigArtTO events here.