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Forward Ever Backwards Never

Forward Ever Backwards Never

01

OVERVIEW

Forward Ever Backwards Never
Type: Mural
Artists Involved:
Kalkidan Assefa, Jimmy Baptise, Phillip Saunders , Samantha Dennis, Kanisha Dabreo, Simone Patricia,Troydel Wallace, Big Sylver,
Destinee Cray, and Reezy Nuako.

With support From:
Andre Mandela Lopez, Comfort O., Danilo Deluxo, Jada Wallace, Jamera DaCosta, Kareen Weir, Alexa Lashley, Solomon James,
Zara Dacres, CAFCAN Summer Camp Youth, and Caribbean Canadian Seniors

LOCATION: Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA) Building, 995 Arrow rd, Toronto, On
DATE: August 17th, 2024
MEDIUM: Acrylic
DIMENSIONS: Wall 1 - 36ft long x 16 ft tall/ Wall 2 - 67 ft long x 16 ft

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Wall 1
"The Crest", mural celebrates Jamaica's rich heritage through vibrant symbols and colours. Set against the Jamaican flag, it features a Hawksbill Sea Turtle, symbolizing resilience, with Blue Mountain rising as a sign of resistance. A crown of parrot feathers honours the Taino people, while the Adinkra symbol of the Siamese Crocodile reflects unity in diversity. The Hibiscus and Lignum Vitae represent vitality. A central shield with a speaker highlights Jamaican music's global influence. Figures blending African and Indigenous elements symbolize knowledge and progress, bordered by Pan-African patterns. "The Hub of Community Engagement" captures the mural's spirit of unity.

Wall 2

"Forwards Ever, Backwards Never," inspired by Jacob Miller's song, celebrates Jamaican culture and heritage. Set in the iconic Bob Marley "Live" font, the mural features Jamaica's lush landscapes framed by a Pan-African pattern. Original speakers symbolize the Jamaican Cultural Association's role in music, honouring Jamaica's invention of the sound system. The Doctor Bird flies over Blue Mountain, while a futuristically dressed woman with locs represents progress and pride. A motherboard design pays tribute to Jamaican innovators in technology. The mural also highlights Jamaica's national symbols, botanical elements, and the connection between Jamaica and Toronto, symbolized by the Blue Jay and Doctor Bird. The work celebrates the Jamaican community's enduring spirit and contributions to a bright future.

FUNDED BY: StreetsArts Toronto (City of Toronto)

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GALLERY

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