We are thrilled to announce our recent partnership with Amazon Canada in creating the extraordinary #ProudToBe Art Expo, a celebration of artistic expression and the 2SLGBTQ+ community. As a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, I am honoured to curate and present this groundbreaking exhibition in collaboration with Glamazon.
On June 15, the #ProudToBe Art Exhibition, hosted by Amazon Canada in conjunction with Pride Toronto and Oleos & Canvas, commenced with an exciting competition showcasing the incredible visual art created by Amazon employees and selected members of Oleos & Canvas. A distinguished panel of judges meticulously reviewed the submissions and carefully selected 12 outstanding finalists to be displayed at Amazon's downtown Toronto Tech Hub.
The artworks submitted by Amazon employees serve as powerful representations of the diverse ways in which Pride empowers individuals to embrace their identities, present their most authentic selves at work, break free from societal expectations, discover their own means of self-expression, and find a supportive community to thrive in. The creativity and passion expressed through these artworks have truly captivated us.
We also had the opportunity to feature Liliana Cortina Rosabal, a 2SLGBTQ+ artist, activist, and pioneer. Liliana Cortina Rosabal began her career as a human rights lawyer at the University of Habana before studying painting at the San Alejandro Academy of Arts. Her treatment of the female figure aims to show freedom, sensuality, and allure. Being a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ and having a same-sex partner since before legal marriage was allowed in Cuba, her paintings reveal an implicit feminist manifesto within her polished and emotional works.
Other artists included in the expo are: Handy Hernandez, Juan Brouwer, Nureski Pichardo, Yoanis Gill, and Zaida del Rio
At Oleos & Canvas, we firmly believe in the power of art to transcend boundaries and champion diversity. We are honored to collaborate with Glamazon, Amazon Canada, and Pride Toronto to create the #ProudToBe Art Expo, which not only showcases incredible artistic talent but also serves as a testament to the inclusive and supportive environment fostered by Amazon. Join us in celebrating the intersection of art and identity and embracing the rich culture of Cuban art through our online platform.