Message from President- Aniqa R. [2015-2016]
Hello Everyone, I would like to start this message off by thanking the HCS faculty members who have supported HCSSA through participating at our events, including our Open House( in collaboration with HCS department); at the same time it is imperative for me to acknowledge the amazing contribution our HCS department has made to address student concerns , and have relentlessly worked hard to provide student with vast opportunities (e.g. Work-study positions or job tips). And Of course, on behalf of HCSSA I would like to thank our Interim Chair, Donna G., who was a marvelous mentor in this journey, and we thank her for contributing to our DSA, which includes participating as a speaker at our events. UTSC Faculty and Staff Daniel B. Jeffrey P. Paula H. Anup G. Jo S. Atiqa H. Lydia Z. My term as HCSSA President [2015-2016] ends as of today, March 31st 2016 and I would like to thank my incredible team that has been such a driving force for our Departmental Student Association. To be honest, we were operating with only few execs and an incredible group of volunteers, so they are more than just a team...they are a DSA family. I really need to command them for the work they have done, especially since their lives were bombarded with heavy course load, jobs , and other duties on the side. Whether the task of big or small, it was for sure appreciated. Shout out to my 2015-2016 DSA team/volunteers: Shivani D.- Marketing Director (Executive Member) Fatima M.- Vice President External (Executive Member) Sopika S.- Vice President Internal (Executive Member) Volunteers (including bloggers) Clinton H. Nicholas A. Katie K. Katrina V. Zahra A. Keisha J. Amazing and ongoing support from our Alumni Advisors has been fantastic thanks to: Adrian D.L. Cyrus V. Adley L. Fathima N. Faculty ( SUPPORT TEAM) Minda N. Monica H. Kamal H. Whitney K. Also a BIG shout out to faculty members that have showed tremendous support as well: Daniel B. Jeffrey P. Paula H. Anup G. Jo S. Atiqa H. Lydia Z. Our Partners/Supporters/Collaborators (social media campaigns, events, etc) for 2015-2016
I am also grateful to be surrounded with phenomenal leaders in our campus, including Chelsea V. (President of SELF) and Katie K. (President of SOS), they are such incredible DSA mentors and deserve the outmost respect. The same goes to Fateha H.(IDSSA), Bassma C. (FDSA), Andrew S. (SOS), Hasna S. (PSSA), and the list goes on. In the future, I hope to see the HCSSA team grow and promote more stellar events, bring essential student services, as well as brainstorm creative projects in our campus. On the side note, many of you students have echoed what you would like to see from our Department whether it be having more HCS courses being offered to creating more study spaces. I know that I would definitely love to see our campus putting forth Indigenous programs, D-level community/practicum-based courses, Latin America history, and many more! I also intend to pass on the constructive student feedback which I received to the incoming HCSSA team; having said that I wish I could have done more for the students and our department, nonetheless, I appreciate both the positive and the constructive feedback which our team have received from our peers. My other message to everyone, in particular the students is to never be afraid to speak your mind, this line maybe cliché but the truth of the matter is feedback is pivotal for bettering services in our campus. As a student I feel as though we need to apply our knowledge that we attain from our programs and put it in use; there is a tendency for individuals in our campus to shy away from contentious topics whether it be a discussion on Gender reassignment surgery or the Israel-Palestine ongoing conflict. Remember, Academia is also about putting forth these taboo subjects and creating spaces to dismantle or analyze these controversies in an intellectual manner. For example, I had countless students' accounts on how much they love the idea of Stories of UTSC project (http://storiesofutsc.ca/) which included wonderful oral histories, however, there were also constructive criticism on how they wish it was properly presented or executed. So, never be afraid to share your critiques whether it be of students' works or a professor's research project. Thank you, A.R. Last Summer on July 30th, 2015, Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre hosted a KIMONO exhibition and reception which included a grand showcase of Obi, Uchikake, Haori, Yukata, Homongi. When I first heard of this exhibition opening I was instantly drawn to attending this event, as I have fallen in love with Japanese culture as well as adored the festivals which JCCC hosted for many years. As I entered the magnificent space, I saw elaborate textiles being draped from the ceiling; viewers were intrigued by these fabrics which were weaved, dyed, and impeccably embroidered, and not to mention such bold patterns of large flowers as well as vibrant colours.
It may come as a surprise to few individuals but according to the JCCC's fact sheet Kimono (Ki- from Kiru to wear, and mono- meaning thing) is fairly new term which was originated from the Meiji Period; the Obi and Kimono is also a marker of a person's social class, gender, and even occupation. My favourite artifact included a traditional Fujimusume dancer doll which was encased in a glass box; the doll was donned in a vibrant red and gold embroidered Kimono. The team behind the KIMONO Exhibition Ellen Hlozan (Guest Curator) Theressa Takasaki (Exhibition Installation and Artefact Management) Exhibition Assistants Kara Isozaki Cassandra Nakamura Amanda Windsor Exhibition Coordination Elizabeth Fujita-Kwan Special thanks to JCCC's Hertiage Committee, the Arts Committee, Archive and Collections volunteers, staff members Sandy Chan and Christine Takasaki. Note: The Artefacts were either donated or loaned by members from the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre . By Aniqa R. Special thank you to UTSC Writing Centre Department of Historical and Cultural Studies& HCSSA presents
“Meet and Greet” WHEN: January 21, 3-5 pm WHERE: HW 403 Refreshments will be served Do you have questions about HCS or its many major and minor programs (in African Studies, Classical Studies, Food Studies, Global Asia, History, or Women & Gender Studies)? Are you curious about what you can do post-graduation with programs of study in these fields? Are you interested in learning more about special activities and programs of the HCSSA, the HCS Student Association? Come Network with HCSSA, HCS faculty members including Professors, Culinaria, and the Digital Scholarship Unit! Learn about what courses and programs our department has to offer. On Wednesday, October 28th 2015 the HCCSA and SELF jointly presented a Halloween Bash at Rex’s Den. I had the honor to attend this event making it my first event working with the HCCSA. The event was filled with fun games, amazing people and delicious free food. The event took off during the Jeopardy portion pitting half the room against the other. This year theme was Science Fiction. Both teams did a great job, team 2 took the win with 300 points against 180. Since this was indeed a Halloween Party it would not be complete without a costume contest which took place shortly after. The costumes included; Sailormoon Poison Ivy John Lennon Illuminati Wednesday Addams Scary Clown The contest came down to 3 finalists; Illuminati, John Lennon, Poison Ivy. The finalists were tasked to do a pseudo-talent portion of the contest. The illuminati performed dance for the crowd and Poison Ivy performed a choreographed fight scene with a hint of dance. Last but certainly not least John Lennon performed a song using his own guitar. In the end John Lennon took the gold with his excellent ability to play the guitar and sing. After crowning John the winner,the night ended off with some karaoke. John Lennon again graced us with his amazing singing this time to ‘I Feel Fine’. Another memorable moment occurred with Daniel Xie rendition of Frozen’s ‘Let It Go’ that got most of the audience to sing along with him including myself violating my ‘No-Singing’ rule. After a thematic appropriate Voltaire’s “When you're Evil” and a not-so thematic but definitely a crowd favourite “I can’t wait to be king” sung by Poison Ivy, the crowd concluded the night with a group rendition of Mulan’s “I'll make a man out of you” at the end of the night. By Nicholas A. Edited by Shivani D. On Wednesday July 1st, 2015 the Community Folk Art Council of Toronto curated a spectacular Multicultural Canada Day 2015 at Yonge and Dundas Square.I had the privilege of meeting a diverse group of dancers backstage garbed in their most elaborated traditional outfits, rehearsing their dance routines, doing their warm ups, and I vividly remember these performers nervously adjusting their dresses for a perfect fit. The daily bustle of Toronto's Yonge and Dundas creates a surge of colours illuminating the downtown core. From the backstage, I had a glimpse of a striking, panoramic view of audience members in a sea of red and white outfits, which they wore as a tribute to Canada day. It was a good day for people to enjoy incredible performances by groups such as Cabildo Colombian Folk Dance, Sassoun Armenian Dance, and Academy of Serbian Dance. I also loved watching the Hawaiian Pacific group performing Hula and Maori routines, while the Araguaney Venezuealan dance troupe dazzled the audiences with their Joropo dances. Even though I am an aspiring photographer, there were times when I wanted to put my Nikon camera down and enjoy the entire stage performances from backstage. However, I was too passionate and invested in photographing dancers, who were feeling the adrenaline rush and were busy helping themselves or their fellow members with their dance routines, hair and make up, and who were even chanting moral support. I would like to end the post by stating that this was one of my favourite summer festivals, and it was even sweeter to see such as a diverse groups coming together to share and showcase their talents. The schedule and the list of Performers of Multicultural Canada Day Written by Aniqa R. Special Thanks to UTSC Writing Centre and Community Folk Art Council Of Toronto Summer may be drawing to a close for many, but fret not because the month of August is filled with incredible multicultural festivals in Toronto — such as Panamania, which has been offering a multitude of diverse arts events during the summer games and is ongoing until August 15, 2015! Make sure you don’t miss out on all the awesome stuff happening in the city — check out our Special Edition section for current exhibitions and community events The 6th Annual T&T Waterfront Night Market August 14th-16th, 2015 222 Cherry St. Downtown, Toronto Port Lands http://waterfrontnightmarket.com/ Habari Africa Festival August 14th-16th, 2015 Harbourfront centre http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/habariafrica/2015/ York-Eglinton International Street Festival August 15th- August 16th, 2015 Eglinton Ave. West, Toronto: Marlee Ave. to Dufferin St. http://www.internationalstreetfest.com/ The TD Festival of South Asia August 15th-16th, 2015 Gerrard Street East between Greenwood and Coxwell Avenue http://festivalofsouthasia.com/ RastaFest August 18th-22nd, 2015 Various location http://www.rastafest.com/index.html Tirgan Festival August 20th- August 23rd, 2015 Harbourfront centre http://www.tirgan.ca/ The 4th Annual Scarborough Afro-Carib Festival (SACF) August 22nd- 23rd, 2015 Albert Campbell Square (Scarborough Civic Centre) http://scarboroughafrocaribfest.com/ MEXFEST 2015 August 23rd, 2015 Yonge and Dundas Square http://www.mexfest.ca/ TaiwanFest August 28th- August 30th, 2015 Harbourfront Centre http://www.taiwanfest.ca/ AWA Festival August 29th, 2015 Albert Campbell Square (Scarborough Civic Centre) http://africanwomenacting.org/ Mabuhay Philippines Festival Toronto August 29-August 30th, 2015 David Pecaut Square http://pidctoronto.com/mabuhayphilippinesfestival Special Edition! KIMONO Exhibition July - October Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre http://jccc.on.ca/event/kimono-exhibit/ ¡Viva México! Clothing & Culture
May 9th, 2015- May 23rd, 2016 ROM Museum- Patricia Gallery of Textiles and Costumes http://tinyurl.com/pke6583 By Aniqa R. Edited by Keisha James As someone who is an avid fan of fashion and textile arts, I came across one of Toronto's gems, the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch which is located at 620 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, in St. Vladimir Institute. It was founded in 1944 by a group of devoted Ukrainian women, who wanted to share and preserve their Ukrainian Canadian heritage through exhibiting magnificent artifacts at their own Museum. “Diverse yet United” features representative costumes from along Ukraine’s western border that include Polissa, Volyn’, Opillia, Zakarpattia, Bukovyna and the Boyko, Lemko and Hutsul Regions. Throughout this exhibit linen, cotton, hemp and wool are the fabrics most utilized in the traditional outfits. Red, white and black appear as the dominant symbolic colours of western Ukraine. Textile artists and museum-goers will marvel at the elaborate, complicated, yet stunning embroidery, weaving and smocking techniques.
History of folk costumes can teach us a lot about how society functioned in the past; these traditional garments can represent class, religion, heritage, and even hold a symbolic meaning to one's culture. The majority of these vibrant coloured folk costumes were worn by women during special occasions such as, Christmas, weddings, dances and harvest festivals. However, in certain religious observances like Lent more somber colour garments were worn. There were regions such as the town of Sokal’ in the Opillia region where black embroidery predominated. Traditionally in Ukraine young ladies who were unwed would be seen wearing vibrant coloured or wreath-style headdresses. Once these women married their style transformed and they donned headscarves or headcloths (i.e. Namtikas) which completely covered their hair and often their neck as well. A mannequin display illustrated a maiden chosen to be the harvest Queen from the region of Bukovyna adorned with a stunning head wreath (vinok) made from woven stalks of wheat. She was dressed in a gorgeous sorochka that is predominantly blue with extensive embroidery along the sleeve. A showstopper piece for me was from the Boyko region which was a breathtaking red, black and white pleated woven skirt which tied in the front. The opening was then covered by a wide linen apron with red geometric trim. Overall, my experience at the museum was fantastic. I have such a great amount of admiration for the craftsmanship that went into making these incredible traditional garments, as well as profound respect for the staff and volunteers who work hard to preserve the Ukrainian heritage and provide stellar services at the institution. By the end of the museum tour, I received a beautiful, laminated map of Ukraine as a small gift from the staff. A big thank you to the Ukrainian Museum of Canada [Ontario Branch]! Current Exhibition A Journey Through the Ukrainian - Jewish Encounter: From Antiquity to 1914 ( July 8th- July 19th, 2015) By Aniqa R. Special Thanks to: Ukrainian Museum of Canada (Ontario Branch): http://umcontario.com/ The Writing Centre- UTSC (Sarah K.): http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/twc/ Keisha J. Zahra A. Are you thinking of what to do this summer? We have compiled a list of exciting upcoming or current exhibitions happening in Toronto! Plus, 3Pass now provides you with a discount to access three superb institutions — Textile Museum of Canada, Bata Shoe Museum, and Gardiner Museum — for only $20: www.3pass.ca
Textile Museum Of Canada Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Muray, with traditional Mexican costume from the Textile Museum of Canada Ongoing until September 7th, 2015 http://www.textilemuseum.ca/home Bata Shoe Museum Beauty, Identity, Pride: Native North American Footwear Ongoing exhibition until January 2016 AND Standing Tall: A Curious History of Men in Heels Ongoing until June 2016 http://www.batashoemuseum.ca/ Aga Khan Museum A Thirst for Riches: Carpets from the East in Paintings from the West Ongoing until October 18th, 2015 https://www.agakhanmuseum.org/ Ukrainian Museum of Canada [Ontario Branch] A Journey Through the Ukrainian - Jewish Encounter:From Antiquity to 1914 July 8th - July 19th, 2015 http://umcontario.com/ The Market Gallery Home Field Advantage: Toronto's Summer Sporting Sites at the Market Gallery Ongoing until September 26th, 2015 http://tinyurl.com/odh2xeo SPECIAL EDITION !! Revolver Gallery Andy Warhol Revisited: A Mirror For Today July 1st- December 31st, 2015 https://warholrevisited.com/ By Aniqa R. Edited by Keisha J. Toronto’s Aga Khan Museum is nothing short of breathtaking.
Officially opened in September 2014, this young institution is the permanent home to over a thousand artefacts from Muslim civilizations around the world. Located next to the serene and spacious park designed by Lebanese-Serbian landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic and across the Ismaili Centre Toronto designed by architect Charles Correa, the site itself strikes awe at first sight. If walking or taking public transit, I highly recommend approaching the grounds from Eglinton Avenue East. The view is absolutely spectacular as the Aga Khan Park’s luscious green grass and coniferous trees frame the distinct glass dome roof of the Ismaili Centre Toronto and the architecturally modern museum designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Fumihiko Maki. When you journey through the park, the path leads to large pools in front of the museum that reflect images of the surrounding environment while emitting the soothing sounds of running water. Aesthetically beautiful, the reflecting pools, which are open to the public, are definitely a must-see in the city of Toronto. A great feature of transitioning from the park into the entranceway of the contemporary Aga Khan Museum, is that the natural light which illuminates the exterior grounds, flows through the numerous windows and ceiling-less inner courtyard. Every corner of the interior building is well-lit, maintaining an open atmosphere. The permanent collection housed in the museum is quite diverse and contains art and other articles from Muslim civilizations that span hundreds of years. The pieces are placed in chronological order and visitors can see paintings, drawings, décor and other items that originated in countries such as Egypt and Syria, Iran, and Turkey. As a booklover, I have a great appreciation for all the book bindings on display in the collection. Two particular artefacts I am especially intrigued by are from Iran and originated from the 19th century. The first is made of leather, paper, colour and gold and the second is made of papier mâché, oil, paint and lacquer. Both are very exquisite in detail and extremely well-preserved. Details in art pieces are not limited to these two pieces. A common trend in the permanent collection and the temporary exhibition, Visions of Mughal India: The Collection of Howard Hodgkin (on display until June 21st, 2015), is the intricacy utilized by the artists in their visual representations. Many drawings in the special exhibit are so meticulous that multiple storylines and distinct facial and emotional expressions among subjects can be discovered in a single illustration. Other highlights of the Aga Khan Museum include the Patron’s Lounge and the auditorium. The Patron’s Lounge is a private room for financial supporters of the museum as well as a hosting space for private events such as dinners and meetings. A majestic modern room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a view of the downtown Toronto skyline tucked behind the Aga Khan Park and Ismaili Centre Toronto, the lounge is the epitome of a contemporary luxurious space. Not to be forgotten, the beautifully wood-paneled stage and seats in the auditorium bring warmth into the intimate venue, also utilized for private events, concerts and lectures Regardless of your religious, cultural, academic or artistic background, the Aga Khan Museum is a welcoming institution in Toronto, dynamic in its architecture and captivating collections of Muslim artefacts. An accessible space, the Museum also offers free admissions from 4-8 pm every Wednesday! For more information on hours, tickets, tours and more, please visit the Aga Khan Museum’s website at www.agakhanmuseum.org. By Katrina Valenton
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