Special Projects/Exhibitions

In addition to exhibiting his work at commercial art fairs, shows, and museums, Gordon Shadrach has been honoured to participate in special exhibitions and fundraisers that support initiatives that work towards breaking down systemic barriers for people both literally and figuratively. His work has been exhibited in shows exposing the longevity of Black culture in Canada, which is very important to him. He also donated works for fundraisers to improve accessibility for people with with physical disabilities. Gordon is proud to support programming that use art to assist the needs of others.

Novel Cover Artwork for the 2020 Relaunch When He Was Young and Free and He Used to Wear Silks by Iconic Toronto based Barbadian novelist, essayist, and short story writer who was Austin Clarke.

Toronto, May 5, 2021 … On June 18, 2021, Tafelmusik will reissue its 2003 landmark recording devoted to the music of Joseph Bologne, the influential Black 18th-century composer. With the goal of properly centring the composer’s achievements, the digital audio release will be reissued under a new title, The Music of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Tafelmusik has acknowledged that the original title (Le Mozart Noir) and the 2010 rerelease artwork contributed to and facilitated the erasure of Joseph Bologne and his legacy. Newly commissioned album artwork by Toronto painter Gordon Shadrach and an essay by American conductor and Bologne scholar Marlon Daniel will accompany the re-release. The Music of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges will be available on major digital platforms starting June 18.

Frame of Reference - Law Society of Ontario, Osgoode Hall - March to August 2019

“Lucid” is part of a digital exhibit called “Frame of Reference” in the Law Society of Ontario in Osgoode Hall! I had the pleasure of touring the building and was overwhelmed by the sense of history. The exhibit was curated to reflect Canada’s historic diversity in a space that is mostly dominated by white males. It was awe-inspiring to view the many portraits in Osgoode Hall that have such historic provenance and exciting to be part of an exhibit promoting inclusivity. 

Project 31 - OCAD University

Supporting the Black Youth Design Initiative being developed by Dori Tunstall, the Dean of Design at OCAD University. Gordon is part of the working committee that is exploring ways to connect with black youth through the use of art and design.

“Project 31 is an auction event offering up stunning paintings, photography, multi-media work, sculptures, illustration and digital media by OCAD University’s talented faculty members and alumni. Participating artists choose an area of need they wish to support through the sale of their work, such as scholarships, bursaries for students in financial need or the purchase of specialized studio equipment. Through the auction, guests are able to access work by OCAD U’s award-winning faculty members and alumni — a pool of creative talent found nowhere else in Canada — while enriching the learning experience for the next generation of artists and designers.”

Still I Rise - Black History Month - February 2019, Newmarket, Ontario

Art exhibition featuring Gordon Shadrach and Syrus Marcus Ware, in partnership with Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)

Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) is a community outreach program that engages Black youth to explore their cultural past while preparing them for the future. In 2018, NACCA launched their inaugural Black History Month event with the city of Newmarket. Titled, "Still I Rise”, with a goal to celebrate the various stories within the community, they invited Gordon and artist Syrus Marcus Ware to exhibit artwork that reflected the diversity and history of Black people in Canada.

“It is by enormous strength and courage that we have emerged in the twenty-first century as entrepreneurs, innovators and change makers even while facing the harsh realities of post-colonialism, post-imperialism and paternalism. Africans have always resisted their subjugation and have formed various types of discourse of resistance. From Afua Cooper’s resistant chronicling of black subjectivity in the The Hanging of Angélique: The Untold Story of Slavery in Canada and the Burning of Old Montreal to George Eliotte Clarke’s deliberate “Rollcall”, the stories that we tell of ourselves are ones that declare unequivocally that “Black is Here”. By celebrating our stories, we signal and root our presence in the space we occupy. We rise with strength, courage and determination to create something new of ourselves in the world we were so forcibly and unapologetically led to occupy.” (NACCA)

StopGap Foundation - 2016-2018

StopGap Foundation was registered as a Canadian charity in October 2013 but its roots date back to the Fall of 2011. What began as a small one-off project in Toronto has turned into a global movement. They have developed exciting programs that help raise awareness about barriers in our built environment and engage communities to work towards removing these barriers. With public support, they have built hundreds of new ramps in communities all over the country and are starting to grow their initiatives internationally. Issues of accessibility and mobility have touched Gordon and his family personally and he has proudly participated in their annual Ramp Up FUNraisers by donating works of art created specifically for their events.