Artist: Sima Naseem
Category: Temporary Public Art Projects
Address: 63-69 Elliot St

This public art initiative is part of the My Neighbourhood Art Project; a series of site-specific, temporary art installations created in collaboration with the local community. One of the goals of this project is to increase artist opportunities by pairing a local emerging artist with a seasoned lead artist. These artists worked together to capture community feedback; asking park users and local recreation staff what was important for them to see represented in the artwork. Each mural is thoughtfully designed to capture distinct aspects of the park, including a focus on the enthusiasm for activities such as skateboarding, and various sports (softball, lacrosse, and basketball). Infused with natural elements and lively characters, the artworks vividly portray the inclusive nature of Brampton's diverse cultures, showcasing the range of sports enjoyed in the vicinity and the rich tapestry of animal life.

The artists also hosted a Community Paint Day, inviting local residents to join them for a paint jam, helping to complete the murals located in the skate park area in a paint-by-number style activity. Over 50 participants contributed their time to the Community in Motion mural!

My Neighbourhood Art Project responds to a council directive for city-wide neighbourhood beautification and speaks to a need for meaningful, neighbourhood-level, placemaking and community arts engagement.

image of My Neighbourhood Art Project | Community in Motion, 2023

Sima Naseem, a mixed media artist and filmmaker of Pakistani-Canadian descent, employs a diverse artistic approach encompassing animation, illustration, and public art. Her creative endeavours consistently incorporate elements of character, nature, and movement. Thorough research and community involvement characterize each meticulously crafted piece. Naseem's narratives, conveyed through vibrant colours and playful designs, make a positive impact on her community, promoting inclusivity, exploration, and environmental awareness. A graduate of the Honours Bachelor of Animation program at Sheridan College, Naseem's stop-motion animated films have garnered recognition at prestigious events such as the Ottawa International Film Festival and Stop Motion Montreal. Her work is prominently featured on numerous large-scale murals across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Naseem's dedication to sharing cultural and personal expressions underscores her ongoing quest for innovative artistic forms, evident in her contributions to film, murals, and mixed media projects.

Angelica Candido is a visionary mixed-media artist who delves deep into the realm of surrealism to craft thought-provoking works of art. What sets Candido apart is infusing storytelling elements and poetry into her creations. Each artwork becomes a narrative, a poetic journey that invites viewers to step into a world where reality and unreality coexist harmoniously. Candido was featured in the 100 Kellogg Art Competition, Gallery 35, Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), Ignite Gallery, Myseum of Toronto, Beaux Art Gallery, and CBC East Coast News. She received grants from JVS Toronto and The City of Brampton for her online art business and graduated from OCAD University with a bachelor's degree in Drawing and Painting. Angelica continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression to embark on a journey through the realms of dreams, poetry, and surrealism.