BISKAABIIYAANG

The mural name is an Anishinaabe word that describes the experience of having been on a long journey, and returning home (returning to your true self). This word is to be taking literally and metaphorically in the art you see. This design is based from the Anishinaabe creation story. This story is called The original 6 nations peace treaty story. It is based on a time before the human nation was created and invited to Mother Earth. Before the human nation lived the 5 great nations. The plant nation, the insect nation, the bird nation, the fish nation and the animal nation. These Nations lived with each other for thousands of years in balance and harmony with one another. One day Gitchie Manidoo asked all the 5 great nations if the would be willing to the human nations teachers. They all agreed and the first Anishinaabekwe (human/Women) was created. Her name was Wanona. As she was lowered gently from the sky nation her toes were the first thing to touch Ahki (earth) she was given a set of instructions:

Walk gentle, walk in prayer and walk in a good way. Learn one new thing everyday. Share with one another and always provide nourishment for all those that follow.

About the Artist
I am a Nipissings First Nation born, multi-disciplinary artist. I started life learning my Anishnaabe and Odawa cultures through ceremonies. As an Anishnaabe graffiti artist, my work has matured from quick pieces into large scale street art projects and canvas work. Using my Anishnaabe teachings and methods, I focus on creating smooth transitions of color, blending abstract form with realism and expressionism. I call my style, “Making the Woodlands Dance.”

My goal is to portray the teachings of my ancestors, sacred geometry in all my art forms and create visual healing experience to the viewers.

My art has allowed me to work closely with art directors, city officials, and corpo- rate clients to make their visions come to life. I enjoy working with the people and have collaborated with many artists on projects of all sclaes from graphic books to videos to murals around the world. I love travelling and seeing art. Most of all, I love to make art and have people enjoy my work.

Quentin “Que Rock” Commanda

Kudos to our Partners in Art
Thank you to the City of Toronto Outdoor Mural & Street Art Program for financial support to make this public art project possible. Thanks to the Riverside BIA for project coordination and community liaison support, and thanks to Tim Hortons for providing the wall space for public art.

Where to Find This Mural

Location: 800 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H7 Get Directions

Accessibility: Easily Accessible