Anansi and The Archetype: Artist-in-Residence Showcase

As the first iteration of the 2025 Artist in Residence program comes to an end, we invite you to witness the incredible artistic talent of our visual artist and and dancer in resident! Brandon Baghaee, our visual arts Artist-in-Residence, will be presenting his painting “Anansi” amongst other works in the Artist Studio, which will be open to the public for viewing. This will be followed by an artist talk on his process, themes and inspiration behind his detailed artwork. Buyi Philip, our dance Artist-in-Residence, will be presenting a solo performance of a piece entitled “The Archetype,” using symbolic props to illustrate the individual human’s evolution through 4 stages.

Schedule:

6:00-7:00pm — Public viewing of Brandon’s work ‘Anansi’ in the Artist Studio

7:00-7:15pm — Buyi Philip’s performance of ‘The Archetype’

7:15-7:30pm — Buyi Philip Q&A

7:30pm-7:45pm — Intermission

7:45-8:30pm — Brandon Baghaee’s Artist Talk

8:30-8:45pm — Brandon Baghaee’s Q&A

8:45-9:30pm — Audience mingle

Meet the Artists-in-Residence

Brandon Baghaee is an Afro-Caribbean and Persian artist (b.2002) based in the GTA, holding a BFA from OCAD University. His work has been exhibited in group and solo shows, including The Drake Hotel, and commissioned by institutions such as Scotiabank Arena and Sports and the Arts, the City of Toronto, STEPS Public Art, and the Richmond Hill Public Library and CBC Toronto. He has received the Ontario Arts Council Visual Artists Creation Projects Grant and recently illustrated a children’s book exploring themes of childhood and sports. His art practice centres on hyper-realistic, surreal oil paintings that merge personal memory with the fantastical. He employs the self, often multiplied or hybridized, to navigate cultural inheritance, belonging, and diasporic identity.

Buyi Philip is an electric force of movement, creativity, and soul—based in Toronto and originally from Kampala, Uganda. His artistic flame was lit early, dancing, designing, and directing performances that blended style, story, and spirit. Since arriving in Toronto, Buyi has expanded his artistry across fashion, costume design, acting, and film—bringing presence and power to every set and stage he touches. A performer at heart and a creator by calling, Buyi is an enthusiastic God in motion—bending energy to his will through love and art. His work doesn’t just entertain—it awakens, uplifts, and transforms. Whether flowing through rhythm or styling for the screen, Buyi moves with passion, purpose, and fearless expression.