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Gordon Shadrach

@gordon_shadrach

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Toronto based artist represented by @unitedcontemporary gallery.

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Last week, I had the pleasure of chatting with the folks at Foyer, the AGO's in-house magazine about what Sunday Best means to me, along with some of the other artists. You can check it out at readfoyer.com.
Sunday Best is open to the public at @agotoronto until the end of February 2027.

"Gordon Shadrach

It’s an understanding of how to express yourself in a way that is not only special to you but that also meets the community standard. For Black people, Sunday best isn’t just about meeting expectations that may have been placed upon us; it’s a way of exceeding those expectations and subverting them at the same time."

#gordonshadrach #ago #sundaybest #foyer by @gordon_shadrach

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Ready to turn your artistic vision into a sustainable career? 🎨📝

Business smARTs: Beyond the Canvas, a 5-week drop in virtual workshop series designed to help emerging and mid-career artists strengthen their creative practice and build sustainable careers.

Facilitated by visual artist and educator Gordon Shadrach, learn how to craft an authentic artist statement, how to speak on your work, and explore career pathways, while gaining insight into the parameters around representation and working with institutional entities as a Black Canadian visual artist.

Through guided sessions on career mapping, artist statements, portfolio development, pricing artwork, and networking, participants will gain practical tools to confidently navigate the visual arts sector and connect with new opportunities.

Booting up October 13th from 6-8 PM for 5 weeks until November 10th. Register through the Zoom link in our bio. by @gordon_shadrach

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11 days ago

Opening next week on October 7th at the AGO, is a new exhibit titled, "Sunday Best: The Power & Glory of Black Style" and it features my painting "Season Opener". Painted and purchased in 2021, I am so grateful to my friends and collectors @canadiandoc and Shaun Jackson for generously loaning the painting to the @agotoronto for this groundbreaking exhibition.
Sunday Best traces the histories of migration, activism, self-determination, and fashion design, woven into the enduring ritual of dressing in one's “best” clothing. Told through displays of fashion, visual art, ephemera, and time-based media, this expansive exhibition considers the use of style and self-fashioning in Black diasporic communities, from the 1880s to the present.
Thanks to curators @julie_zacfilms and Jason Cyrus for including me in this phenomenal project created with the support of @charleslesaux and others.
My parents would be blown away and so proud that my painting is a part of this, and this exhibition speaks so much to our culture and how I was raised.
I am beyond honoured to be included with such incredible work.
The exhibition runs until February 28, 2027 and will then travel to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Please go check it out! ✌🏾🎨🖤
#gordonshadrach #artgalleryofontario #ago #sundaybest taken in AGO - Art Gallery of Ontario by @gordon_shadrach

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12 days ago

New tote! No plan, no references, no pattern - I just had fun and made it up as I went along. I only knew that the NoFrills bag was going to line the tote, so just started sewing deadstock tweeds I bought at a Fabricland in Hamilton. I'm really enjoying this little tote bag side quest I started. *Bonus: I finally got to use the vintage cork buttons that I have hoarded for over 20 years for the closure. I've been waiting for just the right project!
#gordonshadrach #canadianartist #totebag #fabricland #nofrills by @gordon_shadrach

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25 days ago

Painting projects on the way, I swear! In the meantime I thought I'd share a bag I just made from old ties I don't wear anymore. I was inspired by the bags in the Ralph Lauren S/S 2027 runway show. I kinda want to make another one, but I don't want to cut up any more ties. 😬
#gordonshadrach #repurpose #patchwork by @gordon_shadrach

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3 months ago

Today is the final day to see my newest works at @unitedcontemporary. My work is shown with @simoneelizabethsaunders' incredible textile pieces.
Also closing is @delali.cofie's exhibit for the 2026 Contact Photo Festival.
Last chance!
#gordonshadrach #unitedcontemporary #newandnotable #blackportraiture #canadianart by @gordon_shadrach

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4 months ago

Been doing a little sewing, resetting my brain...
#gordonshadrach #applique #handstitching by @gordon_shadrach

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4 months ago

No congrats needed here, just posting the end of my Zomata infusions. It's a maintenance medication I've been getting once a month for the last 2 years to strengthen my bones due to Multiple Myeloma. It was my last infusion before my upcoming vertebroplasty procedure which involves injecting medical-grade cement into a couple of my vertebrae to stabilize them and aid in pain relief.
I'm posting this because I think it's important to share that living with a chronic condition involves not only living with pain that others don't see. There's also the pain and discomfort of the procedures that aid you, and the stress of constant self-analyses of your physical and mental state.
I am grateful for all the incredible support and care I've been lucky to receive.
This is a reminder to be kind to yourself. Life can throw challenges at you. And be kind to others. And also remember to iron the creases out of your linen shirts. taken in Princess Margaret Cancer Centre by @gordon_shadrach

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5 months ago

2 nights, 2 looks, 1 blazer. Shopped my closet for the opening events for New and Notable at @unitedcontemporary. My Polo Ralph Lauren blazer is nearly 30 years old. It's still in amazing condition. Thank god I bought it oversized way back when I worked for the company otherwise I wouldn't be able to squeeze into it.
Thanks @jimmymorestyle and @melooktranscribe for the 📸!
#gordonshadrach #shopyourcloset #isitvintageifiboughtitnew taken in UNITED CONTEMPORARY by @gordon_shadrach

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5 months ago

My mother played an important role in my life by encouraging my creativity. The anthurium lilies pattern in the background of this painting pay homage to her. They were her favourite flower.
"Wring" oil on wood is part of the New And Notable show at @unitedcomporary opening Thursday, May 7th, 6-8 pm.
#gordonshadrach #canadianartist #canadianart #blackartmatters taken in UNITED CONTEMPORARY by @gordon_shadrach

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5 months ago

Insight (oil on wood) is a self-portrait that explores the construction of identity beyond cultural influence. Recently, I’ve been reflecting on how my creativity has shaped my sense of self-confidence. As a young man, I began designing and making my own clothes to wear when I went out clubbing. Through these garments, I created a persona that allowed me to navigate spaces where I didn’t always feel welcome. I often felt invisible in those environments, yet what I wore made me stand out. Ultimately, this persona helped me feel more at ease in my own skin.
This painting reflects a process of reclaiming visibility, feeling free, and defining identity on my own terms.
#gordonshadrach #blackartmatters #torontoartist #canadianartist by @gordon_shadrach

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6 months ago

I am debuting some new work including this piece, Pull, (my first diptych!) at @unitedcontemporary. Come check out New and Notable Works by myself and @simoneelizabethsaunders from May 7 - June 13. I'm excited to share what I've been working on with you.
Also opening at United is @delali.cofie's exhibit for the 2026 Contact Photo Festival. His photos are incredible!
#gordonshadrach #canadianartist #blackartmatters #canadianart by @gordon_shadrach

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6 months ago