For many international students, studying far from home often means balancing memories of the past, the challenges of the present and uncertainty about the future.
We Were, We Are, We Will Be, an exhibition hosted by OCAD U’s International Student Support Office from July 16 to 23, explores how international students navigate these overlapping timelines, reflecting on where they come from, where they are now, and what lies ahead.
For OCAD U Illustration student and curator Minjeong Ju, who moved to Canada from South Korea, the exhibition reflects the experience of living between different times and places. “Past, present, and future are not three separate things — they are a tangled environment we inhabit all at once, and the clock never really stops,” says Ju. “This is a space for those who live inside that tangle, and a reminder that we are not alone in it.”
After moving to Canada from Iran two years ago, OCAD U Illustration student and curator Sarvin Sadeghian learned to embrace uncertainty as a source of creativity. “As an international student, I recognize many of my own experiences in the work of the participating artists. The exhibition creates a space for students to share their stories and realize they are not alone in their experiences,” says Sadeghian.
“Our annual International Student Art Exhibition provides visitors with a meaningful opportunity to connect with our international student community and learn about their diverse experiences and unique perspectives, says Susan Kemp, Manager, International Student Support. “This year's exhibition highlights the creativity, resilience and insight that international students bring to our campus and community.”
The exhibition invites visitors to engage with perspectives shaped by different cultures, experiences and understandings of time, place and belonging. Through a series of free interactive activities and artist talks, audiences will have opportunities to reflect on these themes and participate directly in the conversations explored throughout the exhibition.
Free interactive activities (daily: 10 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 3 p.m.)
Clock DIY
At the Clock DIY table, student monitors will take visitors through the process of assembling their own clocks. Participants will also have access to decorative materials and markers to personalize their clocks and express their creativity.
Caricatures
Student monitors will take turns creating caricature drawings for interested visitors. Participants will be able to take their caricatures home as a complimentary gift from the student team.
Time documentation installation: I've Traveled This Time
This interactive installation invites visitors to reflect on the exhibition theme by sharing their thoughts, memories, or experiences related to time. Participants can write their reflections and hang them on a string installation that will be displayed in the Great Hall.
Mandala Drawing
Student monitors will introduce visitors to mandala drawing techniques and patterns. Participants are welcome to follow the guided examples or create their own unique designs and interpretations.
Artist Talks
Alumni Artist Talk (July 17):
OCAD U alums Nader Soliman and Aspen Dao will reflect on their experiences as students and how their studies and creative practices have shaped their careers. While neither works in a traditional art field—Nader is now a Sports Director and Aspen is a professional model featured in commercial campaigns—they will discuss the value of pursuing paths beyond conventional expectations and reflecting on past, present and future.
Participating Artist Talks (July 20 and July 21)
Artists featured in the exhibition will share their personal stories, creative processes, and the inspirations behind their work. These sessions will provide audiences with an opportunity to learn more about the artists and engage with the themes explored in the exhibition.
Curatorial Team Talk (July 22)
Members of the curatorial team, Minjeong Ju, Timothy Soriano, Sarvin Sadeghian and Liam Ethan, will discuss the development of the exhibition, including how the theme was conceived, the curatorial process, and how the exhibition was brought together from concept to completion.
“I am thrilled to contribute towards the exhibition preparation, an experience which has tremendously helped me grow into someone who accepts challenges readily and ventures beyond my comfort zone,” says Ethan. “I hope that my struggles to be recognized as an artist resonates with others who wish to pursue their dreams.”
We Were, We Are, We Will Be is on view from July 16 to 23 at OCAD University in the Great Hall at 100 McCaul St., with an opening reception on July 16 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.