Toronto Union brings us Black Dreams and Aspirations, a free publicly accessible art exhibition co-curated with MakeRoom Inc. featuring special guest artist Yasin Osman. The exhibit is sponsored by TD Bank Group (TD).

Black Dreams and Aspirations started with an open call for artists to address the question: What does it mean to dream while Black? Union’s programming team, TD’s Art Curator, MakeRoom Inc. and guest judges James Yeboah and Shuraine Otto-Olak, selected twelve artists for a two-part exhibition series that explores themes of community, self-possession, connection to the past, creativity, and the power of imagination.

Located in the West Wing, this first instalment of the two-part series features the works of six artists: Yaw Tony, Yomi Orimoloye, Sarah Waithe, Miss Daisy, Kahame Msiska and Segun Caezar. Their artistic visions and voices interconnect to share past hopes and hope for a new future. The collective dreams are visually presented as a sequence of figures, giving the feeling of a single body in motion.

“We wanted to create space for black exploration, imagination, and aspiration,” said MakeRoom Inc. “The hopes we have in the past can shape our futures. The ability to create something new or better depends on our ability to imagine it. We hope everyone can see this exhibition, be inspired to dream again and believe that a better future is possible for all.”

In addition to the group series, special guest artist Yasin Osman is presenting a solo exhibition titled Dreaming in Colour, a poignant exploration of youth and aspiration, featuring a collection of large black and white portraits of young Black Somali children aged 11 to 16. Accompanying these striking visuals are narratives detailing their dreams and aspirations. This collection aims to honour these young people’s resilience, hope, and untapped potential.

Union, more than a space that Canadians transit through, it is now a space-maker for culture and art, as well as, a role model in community investment for accessible public art. Union’s partnership with MakeRoom Inc was born out of a shared mission to create spaces for local artists that are inclusive and diverse. I will add here that at various times of the year, while I walk through Union station, I have found new artists and their works… be it music or visual art. This artful corridor allows us to pause and engage, if for a moment.

Black Dreams and Aspirations is open daily during station operation hours and is located on the ground level in the West Wing and Oak Room. Admission is free. The exhibition runs until August 2024. For more information visit torontounion.ca.