GradEx 111 Toronto Returns with 800+ Emerging Artists at OCAD This May

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GradEx 111, the largest free art and design exhibition in the city, returns to OCAD University from May 6th to 10th, showcasing the work of more than 800 emerging artists, designers, and creative thinkers.

Taking place across the OCAD University grounds, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to discover the next wave of talent shaping the future of art, design, and digital culture. Guests can explore a wide range of disciplines, including digital media, animation, environmental and industrial design, advertising, drawing, and painting. There will also be opportunities to purchase and commission original artwork at student pop-up shops and an alumni marketplace featuring handmade goods.

Opening Night Celebration

This year’s exhibition kick off with a public celebration and party on May 6th in Butterfield Park, featuring a bar, DJ, food truck and art installations, setting the tone for the rest of the week.

Highlights to Check Out

Among the standout works this year

Alex Chang, an industrial designer presenting an AI-powered e-bike prototype designed to help cyclists navigate traffic more safely.
Sabrina Holmes, a visual artist and reservist in the Royal Canadian Navy, whose landscapes reflect the emotional realities of life at sea.
Matt Trinh, a sculptor and installation artist, showcasing a kinetic beachscape exploring humanity’s relationship with nature.
Chimemelie Okafor, a Nigerian multidisciplinary artist whose oil paintings draw inspiration from West African textile traditions through layered colour and pattern.
Kai Principe Rapa, an industrial designer who has developed a wearable tech interface to help people with Parkinson’s monitor their symptoms.
Kayli Chow, Giuliana Costa, and Cole Kassirer, game designers behind “Beam It Up, Blorp!”, a playful physics-based game where players explore worlds as an alien pilot.

With more than 40,000 visitors are expected to attend this year’s show, GradEx 111 is one of the best events to buy affordable art and design from emerging artists and designers. If you are an art lover, this is one you do not want to miss.

As always, you can keep up with the latest things to do across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area on efosa.