Chachi’s Chai Bar (Pickering)

I created a 5 Panel Mural and Custom Wallpaper for their second location!

Playing with the same themes of combining Desi Art and western minimal aesthetics. I was inspired by South Asian features, bright colour palettes and floral embroidery.

Photos by Tiger Saysavanh

Black Joy

This team mural focuses on mental health and Black joy. Every colour on this piece is intentional and painted with purpose. I supported my colleagues to create this mural on Queen Street W, and used my platform and voice to amplify theirs. Sponsored by Converse and Footlocker. Video via BlogTO.

Artists: @JacquieComrie @GerdaCreates @Lehoneh and @HuneyStudios (Photos by @BriannaBlank)

Ivori Studios

Inspired by Chinese philosophy, Interconnected pays respect to the Yin Yang concept as it explores balance and harmony in chaos. These faces, forms and colours represent finding solace within, relying on internal nourishment instead of external validation. It serves as a respectful nod to inner vices, as a way of acknowledging their presence while withholding them from power. That specific warm shade of red, black and the eggshell off-white background symbolize passion and allows the stormy clouds to pass. Until then, the community of faces embrace what lies in front of them.

(“Interconnected”, October 2020, 11 x 12 ft Interior Mural, Ivori Studios)

Photos Courtesy of Tiger Saysavanh (@tigersaysavanh), BTS Images by Nick (@7thKind) + final image by Kishan (@_kishanmistry)

Chachi’s Chai Bar (Scarborough)

This is the first mural I’ve done and definitely not my last. This concept was about mixing Western culture and art styles like my minimalist contour style with Desi elements like the Indian jewellery and henna.

The artwork along the walls and the table reflect the hybrid culture of East meets West. Personally, it reflects my own identity as a South Asian second-generation immigrant. I am a combination of two (often opposing) cultures. While I navigate my path between the two, the fluid nature of my artwork does not face the same difficulties. It simply exists as something beautiful.

The four panels of artwork reflect the cuisine that is served here, Western finger food with an Indian spin like their Buffalo Tandoori Twist Poutine. Having my artwork exist in a public place like a Chai Bar is different than the domestic pieces I’ve done before. I welcome the challenge and can’t wait to make more artwork for busy places.

(Untitled, February 2020, 4 Panel Interior Mural + Custom 10 x 2ft Wooden Table, Ivori Studios)

Photos Courtesy of Tiger Saysavanh (@tigersaysavanh)