VISUAL ART AND OTHER ENCOUNTERS
A DAY IN THE LIFE
Funmilola Lawson with Maandeeq Mohamed in collaboration with Jane Finch Action Against Poverty
This spoken word audio visual piece reflects the stories and voices of the community that Jane Finch Action Against Poverty (JFAAP) represents. Written and performed by Funmilola Lawson, the audio visual work highlights the struggles, journeys and triumphs that residents of Jane and Finch have endured throughout the years while reflecting on the work JFAAP has done for this community.
An accompanying personal essay, written by Maandeeq Mohamed, provides history and context for Lawson’s piece.
This project was developed through Mayworks’ Labour Arts Catalyst
A Day in the Life audio/visual work by Funmilola Lawson can be viewed here or at the Art Gallery of York University May 1 – 31st.
MAANDEEQ MOHAMED
Maandeeq Mohamed is a writer engaging Black Studies and related cultural production. Her writing is featured in Real Life, C Magazine, and Canadian Art. Maandeeq is currently a PhD student in English and Gender Studies at the University of Toronto, where she is a SSHRC Joseph-Armand Bombardier Doctoral Fellow.
The text of Maandeeq Mohamed’s essay can be viewed here or at the Art Gallery of York University May 1 – 31st.
FUNMILOLA (LolaBunz) LAWSON
With the rise of artists blowing up from Toronto, Funmilola (LolaBunz) Lawson is definitely next up. Lola is a hip hop artist first but holds several titles as a songwriter, spoken word artist and entrepreneur. She is known for her authenticity in her music and sound locally and internationally. Lola’s passion for uplifting her community fuels her creations; from workshops, to poetry, music and beyond. Lola uses her music and words to inspire other youth while bringing attention to issues that impact her community. Lola is recognized as a leader in her community and has been booked to perform, organize youth-led initiatives and speak at conferences in Toronto, across Ontario and internationally. Over the years, Lola has been published and won poetry slams showcasing her writing abilities. She has also landed major hip hop performances on BET freestyle Friday, South By Southwest (Texas), A3C Hip Hop Festival (Atlanta), and opening for Rapper Wale at Art Basel Miami to name a few. Never static, Lola catches her fans off-guard with versatility in her music and words. Lola holds a B.A in Social Science from York University and is pursuing her Masters in Education.