Arts Community Dialogue

Talking Walls Exhibition: Stolen Futures

Main Floor Talking Walls

This event is part of Hart House Youth Advisory Council

Talking Walls Exhibition: Stolen Futures
provides the following accessible services:

  • All gender accessible washroom

    All gender accessible washroom across the hall from the event.

May 1 – May 31, 2024
Scattered markers and magazines during the Stolen Futures zine-making workshop in March 2024.
Scattered markers and magazines during the Stolen Futures zine-making workshop in March 2024.

In March 2024, the Hart House Youth Advisory Council held a zine-making workshop where fellow high school-aged youth from across the Greater Toronto Area each created one page relating to the collective theme of Stolen Futures. This exhibit serves as a walk-through zine. We invite you to imagine yourself flipping through each page as you pass by.

How we got here

In a world marked by systemic inequities and a fervent desire for progressive change, the Council has also embraced the call to action inspired by the inclusive ideologies of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This exhibition is not just a vibrant expression of art; it is a collective outcry against the environmental degradation and economic injustices inherited from past generations. This initiative embodies our commitment to creating a sustainable and equitable future.

By embracing the principles of and remembering the enduring impact of the Hart House legacy, we seek to build a world where justice prevails and every identity is celebrated. We stand together, drawing inspiration from the resilience and advocacy of figures to redefine our stolen futures into a tapestry of empowerment and unity. Together, we are not just artists; we are architects of the future, dedicated to nurturing an inclusive, compassionate, and socially just society.

For more events like this, visit @harthouseyouth on Instagram.

On the bottom is a drawing of a girl gazing ahead of her. Bright washi tape decorates the page. Scattered text reads: “off the rails”, “self-doubt”, “love”, “you can’t win”, “No One Can Hear”, and “now what?”
"youth mental health support" by Emily, Grade 12 student at West Humber Collegiate Institute, 2024.
The artist, Sean, has cut out his name in the centre of the piece. Surrounding this are dozens of cut-out eyes belonging to people of various races, but mostly white adults.
"feels like i'm being watched" by Sean, Grade 12 student at Harbord Collegiate Institute, 2024.
In the centre of the image, a racialized girl is holding a book with the words
"expectations and forced futures" by Sakura, Grade 10 student at Harbord Collegiate Institute, 2024.
In the centre is an illustration of a teen crying as strangers’ hands cover their face. Grim images of violence juxtapose colourful images of flowers and clothes, decorating the edge of the page.
"worrying about the future alone" by Afnan, Grade 11 student at Clarkson Secondary School, 2024.
A collage of luxurious-looking foods. On the top of the page, a faceless man stands beside a kitchen counter full of ingredients, and a row of chefs plate food together.
"community food banks" by Lucy, Grade 11 student at Victoria Park Collegiate Institute, 2024.
Large, slightly wrinkled, racialized hands hold a jewelled bracelet. Around it, the word “money” and codes to a secure bank vault are prominent.
"spending life to spend money" by Nazrah, Grade 8 student at Portage Trail Community School & Ifrah, 2nd year at the University of Toronto, 2024.
Two people take care of a creek. Bright purples, greens, and blues cover the background.
"what can we do about climate change" by Erica, 1st year student at the University of Toronto, 2024.
A cunningly deliberate near-blank page that pushes bright green gardens, streams, and mountains to the margins.
"corporate power vs environment" by Lily, alum from the University of Toronto, 2024.
A dynamic and layered collage that features a map of Japan, colourful fabrics, wine glasses; and text that refers to AI, power, black holes, free energy, quantum physics, and technology.
"building connections across borders" by Rei, 1st year student at the University of Toronto, 2024.
A large mechanical heart that looks like an engine is featured in the centre. Lifeless green and grey backgrounds contrast with bright and warm images of a person and the outdoors.
"i'm either tired or full of energy why" by J-Kwon, Grade 11 student at Western Technical-Commercial School, 2024.
The front-most layer of this collage showcases the Hollywood sign, a cinematic cigarette, and the text “end credits”.
"reality of the american dream" by Miya, Grade 10 student at Harbord Collegiate Institute, 2024.
Decorating the page are vintage themed cut-outs. The muted colours contrast the vivid images of a gothic woman playing the cello, a yellow bow, and a pink flower in the centre of the page.
"reasons for hiding behind humour??" by Jessica, Grade 11 student at John Polanyi Collegiate Institute, 2024.
On the corners of the piece, a news article talks about night school, another says “Good mornings come naturally”, and a third features a stressed out baby.
"school stress, nature's guide" by Christel, Grade 11 student at John Polanyi Collegiate Institute, 2024.
Divided into two halves, one side reads “We can’t all live a charmed life.” with cute hearts and gems surrounding it. The other side has a black and white image of a grungey women’s fashion store.
"dark cute aesthetic" by Emma, Grade 11 student at Riverdale Collegiate Institute, 2024.
A hand-drawn sketch of an individual sleeping on the TTC with a sign that reads “Please help, every penny counts!” The subway ads are cut-out images of eyes, highlighting a quiet judgement of the homeless.
"homelessness on the ttc winter" by Shelbi, Grade 10 student at Northview Heights Secondary School, 2024.
Photos of people, houses, and books decorate the piece. Scattered text reads: “Up”, “Louis Vuitton”, and “Chic women”. On the side is an illustration of a woman with an afro made of empowering words.
"how to be financially independent" by Safeyyah, Grade 9 student at St. Joseph's College School, 2024.
A person walks out of a laptop screen towards the outdoors filled with cars, houses, blue skies, people dressing up, and kids riding bicycles.
"i want to see more but i'm stuck here" by Nico, Grade 10 student at Harbord Collegiate Institute, 2024.
A neat collage of warm-toned and antiquated images that seem to depict a longing for the past. Scattered text reads “Speculating on tomorrow”, “take your time”, and “do not fret”.
"uncertainty, with everything" by Mikayla, Grade 11 student at Rosedale Heights School of the Arts, 2024.
Neatly arranged images of book pages, molecule diagrams, encyclopaedias, and chemistry models, and a lab scientist.
"am i doing the right thing?" by Laurice, Grade 11 student at John Polanyi Collegiate Institute, 2024.
On top of what looks like ripped out textbook pages, there are hand-drawn doodles and text relating to partying and travelling.
"why do we create deadlines" by Princess, Grade 11 student at John Polanyi Collegiate Institute, 2024.
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Event Metadata

  • Date: May 3 – May 31
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  • Time & Duration: (all day) (31 days)
  • Cost:

    • General Audience

      FREE

  • Venue:
    Hart House
    7 Hart House Cir,
    Toronto, ON M5S 3H3
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  • Room: Main Floor Hallway
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