"I use the language of design to express a message. The result is supposed to make the viewer think and act."


- Luba Lukova

A Sequel to Kafka's Metamorphosis: Group Illustration Exhibition

Step into the surreal and re-imagined world of Kafka’s Metamorphosis! Join illustrators Blair Drawson, Banafsheh Erfanian, and Anson Liaw for an extraordinary group exhibition at the Assembly Hall, Toronto. This captivating showcase brings to life unique interpretations of Kafka's timeless themes through stunning illustration art.

A little bit about the artists:

Blair Drawson:

During his career, Blair Drawson provided visual imagery for stories and articles for many of the major magazines in the US and Canada. He has also written and illustrated several books for children, as well as work for animation and the completion of a recent graphic novel. He paints in acrylics mostly, augmented by the use of chalk pastels, and with mixed media techniques. Blair Drawson is one of Canada's best-known illustrators. His work has won countless awards and has appeared in Esquire, The New Yorker, and many other publications. He lives in Toronto and teaches Illustration program courses at OCAD University.

Banafsheh Erfanian:

Banafsheh Erfanian is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist. She wears different hats as an illustrator, painter, arts educator, and mentor. She has illustrated many books and magazines for children and young adults and her work has been short-listed in several illustration competitions and exhibited in numerous juried exhibitions such as in Iran, Italy, US, Canada, Russia, China, Japan, and Serbia. She has had one illustration and two painting solo exhibits in Toronto. She has won awards such as the RBC Arts Access Awards, Canada, 2020, 2019, and 2017, The Award of Excellence of Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition, China, 2016, and the Encouragement Prize of the 15th Noma Concours for Picture Book Illustration, Japan, 2004. Banafsheh has participated in jury panels such as the Toronto Art Council Newcomer & Refugees grant, Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards, New York, 2022, "Newstar Cup" Canada’s International Children and Youth Creative Arts Exhibition, 2018 & 2019, and Tirgan Painting Contest for children, 2019.

Anson Liaw:

Anson Liaw is an American-Canadian illustrator based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, with a career spanning over three decades. A graduate of OCAD University, his work explores social, political, and cultural themes through imaginative and thought-provoking illustrations.

Anson’s art has been featured in prestigious publications like Lürzer’s Archive and international exhibitions, earning accolades from organizations such as American Illustration and the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles. His clients include Time Magazine, The New York Times, McDonald’s, and the National Ballet of Canada.

Beyond his professional work, Anson teaches at OCAD University, inspiring future generations of artists.

Opening Reception: January 9, 2025, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Assembly Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, Toronto, ON

The exhibition runs until February 14, 2025, with regular gallery hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
(Closed Sundays and statutory holidays)

Learn more:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-sequel-to-kafkas-metamorphosis-group-illustration-exhibition-reception-tickets-1089865399749?aff=oddtdtcreator

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience the intersection of art and literature, brought to life by three exceptional artists!


Link to review info. about the Assembly Hall:

https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/cultural-centres-galleries/assembly-hall/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGwdCxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQ1O-ql6fcKoQwthSn2OEItjRSQ83YmkfofzevDwkUVLYHBHSi_gL6ogZA_aem_YR4GFzpTYDU4u2yS9LTj2Q

A Sequel to Kafka's Metamorphosis: Group Illustration Exhibition

Step into the surreal and re-imagined world of Kafka’s Metamorphosis! Join illustrators Blair Drawson, Banafsheh Erfanian, and Anson Liaw for an extraordinary group exhibition at the Assembly Hall, Toronto. This captivating showcase brings to life unique interpretations of Kafka's timeless themes through stunning illustration art.

A little bit about the artists:

Blair Drawson:

During his career, Blair Drawson provided visual imagery for stories and articles for many of the major magazines in the US and Canada. He has also written and illustrated several books for children, as well as work for animation and the completion of a recent graphic novel. He paints in acrylics mostly, augmented by the use of chalk pastels, and with mixed media techniques. Blair Drawson is one of Canada's best-known illustrators. His work has won countless awards and has appeared in Esquire, The New Yorker, and many other publications. He lives in Toronto and teaches Illustration program courses at OCAD University.

Banafsheh Erfanian:

Banafsheh Erfanian is a Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist. She wears different hats as an illustrator, painter, arts educator, and mentor. She has illustrated many books and magazines for children and young adults and her work has been short-listed in several illustration competitions and exhibited in numerous juried exhibitions such as in Iran, Italy, US, Canada, Russia, China, Japan, and Serbia. She has had one illustration and two painting solo exhibits in Toronto. She has won awards such as the RBC Arts Access Awards, Canada, 2020, 2019, and 2017, The Award of Excellence of Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition, China, 2016, and the Encouragement Prize of the 15th Noma Concours for Picture Book Illustration, Japan, 2004. Banafsheh has participated in jury panels such as the Toronto Art Council Newcomer & Refugees grant, Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards, New York, 2022, "Newstar Cup" Canada’s International Children and Youth Creative Arts Exhibition, 2018 & 2019, and Tirgan Painting Contest for children, 2019.

Anson Liaw:

Anson Liaw is an American-Canadian illustrator based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, with a career spanning over three decades. A graduate of OCAD University, his work explores social, political, and cultural themes through imaginative and thought-provoking illustrations.

Anson’s art has been featured in prestigious publications like Lürzer’s Archive and international exhibitions, earning accolades from organizations such as American Illustration and the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles. His clients include Time Magazine, The New York Times, McDonald’s, and the National Ballet of Canada.

Beyond his professional work, Anson teaches at OCAD University, inspiring future generations of artists.

Opening Reception: January 9, 2025, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Assembly Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, Toronto, ON

The exhibition runs until February 14, 2025, with regular gallery hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
(Closed Sundays and statutory holidays)

Learn more:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-sequel-to-kafkas-metamorphosis-group-illustration-exhibition-reception-tickets-1089865399749?aff=oddtdtcreator

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience the intersection of art and literature, brought to life by three exceptional artists!


Link to review info. about the Assembly Hall:

https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/cultural-centres-galleries/assembly-hall/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGwdCxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQ1O-ql6fcKoQwthSn2OEItjRSQ83YmkfofzevDwkUVLYHBHSi_gL6ogZA_aem_YR4GFzpTYDU4u2yS9LTj2Q

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