Acton residents who happen to be touring by No Frills should slow down and have a look at one of Halton Hills’ latest Bell box murals.
That's the work of Kelcy Timmons Chan, a Toronto-based artist known for other Bell box projects across the GTA, including two in Georgetown - one at the corner of Guelph Street and Alcott Drive called Them Eggs, and another next to the Georgetown Legion called Snow Day.
Their latest work still ties in with the food and seasons themes, this time illustrating a summer picnic scene, blanket and cheese included.
The observer will immediately know Sunset Charcuterie, as the Acton work is called, is a Timmons Chan production due to the inclusion of “little purple people.” They are seen interacting with food that is many times their size, whether it's eating a watermelon, cutting a wheel of cheese, stirring a pitcher full of lemonade or simply taking in a sunset.
The little purple people are inspired by one of Timmons Chan's artistic role models, the late-American artist Keith Haring. He often drew small, non-descript figures in a mesmerizing mosaic style.
The purpose of the purple figures is to make a space in the work for people to perhaps insert themselves. Distinctions like race, gender or signs of social status are not present, creating a blank image that can be filled by the art lover.
“All of the people look quite similar. The only thing that distinguishes them is, sometimes, body diversity,” Timmons Chan said.
Coziness and vibes of togetherness are the name of the game with Sunset Charcuterie.
“Oddly enough, when I was thinking about last year’s piece, the reasons why I made this one are almost exactly the opposite. Last year was about celebrating all the things you can do in winter, inspiring people to get outside,” Timmons Chan explained.
“This is similar, but summertime. A moment of reminiscence as we go into fall and how those beautiful moments outside should be cherished.”
Warm colours create a cozy feeling, which Timmons Chan drew the inspiration from sitting in the park and feeling the warmth of the sun. They chose a colour scheme of orange, yellow and pink meant to recreate “that whole body comfort” associated with a moment like that.
The keen-eyed have likely noticed the watermelon slice in the piece and may be wondering if it's alluding to the Palestinian cause. Timmons Chan’s message in their work is not about the war in Gaza on the whole, but the watermelon slice is very much a remembrance of the Palestinian people.
“I’m a proud supporter of Palestinian people. I don't choose to make things directly political. I do want to be a symbol for people and for the marginalized community,” they said.
Those interested in following Timmons Chan's work can do so on their website or on Instagram @mixt.paints.
