While waiting to cross Royal York Road a TTC bus was approaching which is pretty unremarkable. But as it got closer I noticed the side of the bus was covered with a beautiful piece of art and I was so pleased when it hit the red light so I could take a photo. When I looked up the artist, I learned that in celebration of Indigenous History month in June and leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, the TTC is showcasing nine Indigenous artists on buses, streetcars and in subway stations. This bus featured ‘We the Nish’ by Ojibwe artist Ryan Besito.
Ryan Besito is from Saugeen First Nation. He has lived in Toronto most of his life, and his art is inspired by Anishinaabe teachings and the many street artists that also call the city home. His piece ‘We the Nish’ adds to the ongoing conversation about the appropriation of Indigenous names and symbols.
Along with Ryan, the other artists featured in this campaign are Emily Clairoux, Melissa Compton, Vanessa Dion Fletcher, Brandon Jacko, Natalie Laura King, Amanda Amour Lynx, Catherine Tammaro, and Fallon Simard. You can see their art on vehicles operating along a number of TTC routes throughout the city, and you can read more about them here.
One response to “TTC Spotlights Indigenous Artists, Including Ojibwe Artist Ryan Besito’s ‘We the Nish’ Piece”
I love reading about things I may never have noticed in Toronto Scoop. Thx