Culture From the Ground Up: An Exhibit of Toronto's Alternative Culture from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
Illustration by Oscar Moody, Used with permission
About the Exhibit
TD Gallery is pleased to present, Culture from the Ground Up, an exhibition that traces the development and evolution of Toronto's alternative culture from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Featuring posters, books and ephemera from the Special Collections of Toronto Public Library, the exhibition explores creativity and expression through a variety of topics and themes including protest, music, poetry, education, theatre and zines.
Exhibition Items:
Disarmament Now
William Rueter
Aliquando Press, 1982
Disarmament was a hot issue in the 1980s, and the Toronto movement gathered strength throughout the decade. The image of the mushroom cloud by one of Canada's foremost private printers was a very frank image, and conveyed the urgency of the message.
Image Used with Permission.
Anti-racism poster
Mike Constable, 1981
Mike Constable has been developing political cartoons and social commentary in Toronto since his involvement in the underground newspaper Guerilla in the early seventies. His edgy commentary and powerful imagery reminded people that racism was not an issue isolated to South Africa. This poster was produced in response to an announcement that the Klu Klux Klan had set up recruitment offices in Parkdale.
Image Used with Permission.
Christmas greeting
Mike Constable, 1981
Mike Constable designed this Christmas greeting in 1981, in response to an announcement that Canada would be purchasing F-15 fighter interceptors. The motif on the Christmas tree is the silhouette of the F-15.
Courage My Love, a vintage clothing shop in Kensington Market, was established in 1975. Like the clothing at Courage My Love, the message on this Christmas greeting is timeless.
Image Used with Permission