Utopia - Art Show and Party - November 3rd, 2018

First published in 1516 by Sir Thomas More, the word‘utopia’ (ou-topos) literally means ‘not-place’. Inspired from the term’s delicate distinction from eu-topos (‘a good place’), More envisioned a grossly complex, self-contained community in which people shared a common culture and way of life.

As a collective of artists and designers, Open Eyes Toronto (OYT) explores the irresistible exercise of Utopia and its many elusive forms. Through a diversified range of media and approaches, these representations are personal and experimental.

We are in a society and time in which there are many questionable and possibly dystopic circumstances occurring -- this year’s display offers an opportunity to share ideas and observe intricate perspectives, but also to remain both curious and inspired.

You are invited to join us on November 3rd from 7pm until midnight, for an Art show and party based around Utopia.

The Gallery address is: 54 Marigold Ave, Toronto. Orange warehouse door next to 54 Marigold Ave in Lesleyville.

Please RSVP, and see more event details see: https://web.facebook.com/events/330183630975441/

Water: Tiny Talks Big Issues: Today!!

Today at 7pm we are hosting Water: Tiny Talks Big Issues, a pecha kucha-style series of presentation on/about/and related to water and its many forms @ the Monarch Tavern / 12 Clinton Street

 The theme of water emerged from a series of ongoing dinners which were hosted around the city. These dinners were modelled after the "salon" and were about the exchange of ideas and inspirations. As these dinner progressed it became apparent that "water" was a central theme of many of our ideas. Out of this is born today's event, "Water: Tiny Talks on Big Issues", and hopefully more!

Below, members of the OYT as they explored water, in all of its states, along Leslie Spit this past winter.

Preview: May Wu on "Fog Pod"

To round out our presenters: May belongs to the design collective F_RMlab pro. She will talk about their recent competition project, Fog Pod, which focuses on maker culture and redefining 'the future of making things.

Preview: Geoff Christou on Living on the Water

Geoff's presentation will explore living on the water and a project to create amphibious housing.
 

Preview: Michael Charendoff

Michael's presentation will focus on water as a force that shapes Toronto, his life, and the lives of others.

Preview: Lauren Abrahams

Lauren Abrahams from Public Work will explore indirect relationships with water – experiences that remind us we are after all a water city, even in places where we cannot actually see the lake.

Preview: Lesley Herstein on the complexity of water

Lesley's presentation about water:"It’s complex - learn about the complex system that ensures that water comes out of your tap."

Lesley Herstein is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Toronto.  She borrows from multiple disciplines to explore and appreciate the complexity associated with public water provision and its cultural, ecological, economic, governance, and technological dimensions.  You can check out some of her work at www.thewaterworkshop.ca.