Toronto artists of the 80s are getting their time to shine once again. "Paradise Now," a series of events and exhibitions along the once-underground cultural hub of Queen West, is honouring them as well as young up-and-coming artists. The first installment of the 80s expo is "This Is Paradise," an art exhibit at the MOCCA gallery, which runs until August 21.
Showcasing work solely from Toronto artists in the 80s, This Is Paradise is “creating an archive for younger generations to explore,” says Henrjeta Mece, one of two project directors for Paradise Now.
This Friday, Rivoli — once an integral part of the 80s scene on Queen West — will be hosting Paradise Now’s wearable art fashion show. Through the creative works of Julius Poncelet Manapul and York University fine arts graduate Natalie Viecili, the fashion show will attempt to expose society’s consumerist culture.
“Clothes will be made out of mass-produced products like Starbucks cups and garbage bags,” Viecili says of her runway pieces. Other than being a good recycling method, Viecili’s art represents “the irony of commodity fetishism.” Thanks to advertising and consumerism, modern society has become based around a constant want to have the most expensive, shiny, often useless thing. “I want to present those ideas in a different light,” says Viecili.
Where Viecili’s work will try to show an obsession with consumer goods, Manapul’s will focus more on pop culture. By using only paper, Manapul will re-create outfits worn by some legendary icons. Audrey Hepburn’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s wardrobe and Marilyn Monroe‘s unforgettable white dress will both be worn on the runway, but in paper-made versions.
Along with Rivoli, The Cameron House, which was the original 80s hub for upcoming artists and alternative rebels in Toronto, will also host some of Paradise Now’s events. Both venues have generously provided their space for free.
On July 16, The Cameron House will be showing work from Sketch, a space that gives opportunities to poverty-stricken teens and young adults. On July 21, Rivoli will play live music and screen music videos from Toronto’s 80s scene.
“Something faded in the 90s due to globalization," Mece says of Queen Street West’s erstwhile arts circle. "But once, there was a community there."
Check out more Paradise Now events here.
