Together with Oak Learners, the Mimico Village BIA has undertaken the commission of an innovative and inspirational for the community. The mural will be painted directly on the north-facing wall of 394 Royal York Road, currently occupied by Oak Learners. Funded by the City of Toronto, the mural will be completed in September-October 2023, and will be presented to the community in a special event, hosted by the Mimico Village BIA on October 28, 2023.
The Mural Artist Kayla Bluium describes her vision for the mural in the following way, “In this mural I explore my neuro-divergence and personal struggles with ADHD and dyslexia throughout my life. Although it has been difficult, I am grateful that my differences have taught me to empathize with others, to build a life that suits my needs and embrace my ability to see the world differently. I want to create a mural that inspires children to accept and love who they are by finding the silver lining in their differences. As someone who struggles on a daily basis with executive dysfunction, I want to be an inspiration that you can live an interesting and fulfilling life that embraces your differences. The mural will be created in my whimsical art style using plants and animals to tell surreal stories about femmehood, self-love and mental health.”
The mural will be unveiled in a community event on October 28, 2023, coupled with an interactive video projection that will bring the mural to life. Projection Artist Nathan Brucetalks about the projects as an experience that, “will explore the psychological and emotional experiences of those who live with ADHD and other neuro-divergenies. Through the use of intertwining colours, patterns, and shapes, we will transform the mural into a kinetic landscape that aims to represent the lived experience of neurodivergence. We hope that through this collaboration between digital and analogue art forms, those living with their unique differences will feel seen, heard, and inspired by what we create.”
We are excited to see how the project comes together and evolves to inspire and unite our community.
Learn more about Kayla Bluium at www.kaylabuium.com and www.instagram.com/milkboxtheartist
Follow along with the progress of the Mural Installation….
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
