Liveliest Party on the Block

The opening night party was lively and packed! The party even spilled onto the street as the space couldn’t accommodate all of his supporters, friends, and loved ones. From the moment I walked into my departure, I was well looked after by Susan and Mike, the gallery director and gallery owner. Their warmth, charm, and passion for the art really started the viewing on a really positive note. They were very engaging hosts who made sure all of their guests were having fun and enjoying the show.

The invitation didn’t lie when it said to expect top-notch food and beverages at this show. Biting into the ube cake pieces was like biting into mini purple clouds. The specialty cocktails were very trendy but way too strong. Many of the guests couldn’t finish their drinks because they were so boozy. My immense gratitude goes to the bartender who made a toned-down martini version of the Charcoal Vesper cocktail for me. Your patience and flexibility in accommodating my request did not go unnoticed that night.

The Artwork

As a highly acclaimed graffiti and tattoo artist, THD‘s sky-high murals can be seen all over the city. Perhaps you’ve seen his dashing animal friend, “Hubert,” chilling in Kensington Market.

Collectively, the artwork is bold, grand, and vivid. The large swaths of hot pink against the gloomy grey resulted in works that are equal parts eye-catching and slightly triggering. To me, the colours reflect the complexity of our individual emotional landscape. Amongst the most eye-catching is ‘Hopeful Morning’ (2024), which features the portrait of a middle-aged woman spray-painted onto a 183cm x 91.5cm canvas. Her despondent facial expression is one that’s universally recognized. This is the face you make when you’re mentally searching for good reasons to get out of bed that morning. The concentration of pink on the neck represents the remnants of hope draining from her at the thought of facing another day. The plastic bag over her face symbolizes the stigma preventing her from unburdening her woes. If this viewing this painting makes you uncomfortable then you can empathize with the millions of Canadians who experiences these kinds of struggles. According to CAMH, by the time Canadians reach 40 years of age, 1 in 2 have – or have had – a mental illness. With those numbers, this could easily be you in that painting.

Another eye-catching piece that triggers unease is the life-size art installation of a guard dog next to the entrance. This colourful piece is the first thing to greet you upon entering the gallery. The dog symbolizes the defence mechanisms that instinctively kick in the presence of uncomfortable feelings and intrusive thoughts. The cute pink heart on the dog’s rump softens its intimidating appearance.

A Shared Human Experience Reflected in Art

Three words to describe THE CHARIOT 7: intelligent, edgy, and deep. This project is an open letter to those struggling with moments that test their mental and emotional fortitude. It’s 7 visual reminders that you’re not alone and you will overcome. THE CHARIOT 7 opens the door for us viewers to have these important conversations about our mental health journey. The more open we have these conversations, the more we eliminate the stigma so people can feel empowered to get the help they seek. Please don’t suffer alone or in silence. I highly recommend viewing this exhibit while it’s still on display.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 211 for the Toronto Community Crisis Services.

To learn how to get free mental health support, visit https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/mental-health-resources/

Watch Our YouTube Video : 

Powerful Art Exhibit ‘THE CHARIOT 7’ Confronts Mental Health Stigma – Exclusive Unveiling / 心理健康藝術展《THE CHIOT 7》震撼開幕 – 不容錯過!

Powerful Art Exhibit ‘THE CHARIOT 7’ Confronts Mental Health Stigma – Exclusive Unveiling / 心理健康藝術展《THE CHIOT 7》震撼開幕 – 不容錯過!

Powerful Art Exhibit ‘THE CHARIOT 7’ Confronts Mental Health Stigma – Exclusive Unveiling / 心理健康藝術展《THE CHIOT 7》震撼開幕 – 不容錯過!

Powerful Art Exhibit ‘THE CHARIOT 7’ Confronts Mental Health Stigma – Exclusive Unveiling / 心理健康藝術展《THE CHIOT 7》震撼開幕 – 不容錯過!

Powerful Art Exhibit ‘THE CHARIOT 7’ Confronts Mental Health Stigma – Exclusive Unveiling / 心理健康藝術展《THE CHIOT 7》震撼開幕 – 不容錯過!

Powerful Art Exhibit ‘THE CHARIOT 7’ Confronts Mental Health Stigma – Exclusive Unveiling / 心理健康藝術展《THE CHIOT 7》震撼開幕 – 不容錯過!

Powerful Art Exhibit ‘THE CHARIOT 7’ Confronts Mental Health Stigma – Exclusive Unveiling / 心理健康藝術展《THE CHIOT 7》震撼開幕 – 不容錯過!