Floor 1 – Mackenzie King Lobby / Plaza

Join us for a spot talk with mural artists Jimmy Baptiste and Kalkidan Assefa as they discuss mural-making, their artistic practice, and their latest work at the OAG in the context of 83 ’til Infinity. Focusing on graffiti and murals in Public Space, this talk will be covering topics ranging from legality, illegality, race, class, politics, permits, potentials, and community, and will be followed by a Q&A with the artists.

Kalkidan Assefa aka DRPN Soul is an Ethiopian-born multidisciplinary painter and certified Artist-Educator specializing in public art.

With 20+ years of producing work in acrylics and aerosol, Kalkidan is a founding member of the Ottawa Black Arts Kollective (OBAK) and former Visual Arts & Mural Co-ordinator for House of PainT Urban Arts Festival. Being a resident of the unceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory known as Ottawa since 1988, Kalkidan embraced hip hop at an early age, recognizing a sense of familiarity and connection with his own artwork and the culture’s roots in African diasporic traditions reimagined in the contemporary context.

Kalkidan’s mural work often focuses on taking up and reclaiming space, and as a community-based artist he facilitates accessibility to mural projects using an approach that centers cultural authenticity, decolonial values, and upliftment through the collaborative process. 

Jimmy Baptiste is an accomplished graffiti artist, muralist, and art facilitator currently residing in Wakefield, Quebec. With over 20 years of professional experience, he has honed his skills in illustration, design, mural creation, and community outreach art.

In his capacity as an art facilitator, Jimmy excels in leading engaging and educational workshops that encourage creative participation within the community. His adeptness extends to diverse projects, including mural art, installations, and curated endeavors, all of which resonate with his audiences.  

Through his company Atelier Dopamine, Jimmy’s commitment to community engagement is evident through his impactful public art installations, spanning educational institutions, community centers, and institutions. By providing insightful guidance while fostering artistic freedom, he expertly contributes to both personal and communal artistic expression.

Adept at conceptualization and project execution, Jimmy consistently integrates dynamic content that appeals to a wide range of backgrounds and age groups. His work not only inspires but also educates, making art an accessible and enriching experience for all.