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Gary Taxali’s Shanti Town Toronto Pop-Up

February 4, 2014

I love art, I love culture, I love champagne. So when I was invited to the Opening Night of Gary Taxali’s Shanti Town Pop-Up exhibit at Waddington’s in Toronto, I immediately RSVP’d a giant ‘Yes please’!

Shanti_Town

An internationally known award-winning illustrator and artist, Taxali has also designed a special set of six Royal Canadian mint coins, started his own toy company: Chump Toys, released his first children’s book: This is Silly!, as well as taught, lectured, created Grammy-nominated cover art… Just to name a few.

Shanti Town was a fantastically executed pop-up. Welcomed with a glass of champagne, the party was buzzing early, filled with enthusiastic fans, collectors and the artist himself.

MFab_and_Gary_Taxali

On display were some of his wooden toys, sculptures and examples of package design.

Taxali_Wine Taxali_Toys

The humour in his work is refreshing. Even though this exhibit sampled Depression-era posters and graphics, the work comes across as light-hearted and whimsical. Containing many truths spelled out using single words and solid colours.

Taxali_SideBySide

In my continued New Year’s resolution to be surrounded by those who shine a little brighter, Gary Taxali is definitely it.

M Fab axali

 

Looking forward to reading your comments!