Exhibited at
@4thewestend Stomping Grounds
Thanks to my Lil Sister and
@katherinenerima for representing my memories as family and Ugandans living in the west end, vicariously experiencing my teenage hood through Martin Grove.
I was tasked to capture my street and these two places stuck out to me.
Martin Grove is a largely insignificant street amongst the population of Toronto. While people may lay their claim to Yonge Street, College, Steeles, Bayview or other more prominent streets, I sit here, a child of Martin Grove, a user of its medicine. I grew up near a plaza, off of John Garland and Martin Grove, a place where high school communities congregated over fries and chicken from Bestco for $2.10. This is a place where arguments meant everything, roasts meant nothing, and your brothers broke bread, sometimes sharing a meal you split. It was the choice between bus fare and pizza nova, between blue sky and being late for third period. This plaza meant a lot to my teenage years, and still serves me today. Additionally, Smithfield has a significant impact on my life as well. Physical spaces for contemplation, recreational sport and Prayer are not often linked to one location, but in my case, it is. Smithfield Park is a 2-minute walk, but serves as a place of solace, improvement and buckets. These two staples were my medicine, through teenage-hood, COVID and still, in my 21st year of living. Thank you Martin Grove.
Thank you Jesus
