BLACK GradEx

BLACK GradEx 2021

Welcome to BLACK GradEx 2021

Watch short videos of conversations with graduating OCADU students.  

Conversation With Adé Abegunde | Black GradEx 2021 | OCAD University

In conversation with Adé Abegunde, a graduate student from OCAD University’s Environmental Design program Assistant Professor Kestin Cornwall sits down with his guest Adé Abegunde, a graduate student from OCAD University’s Environmental Design program. They discuss Ade’s work, her new design studio, community access to information and events. They also go over some of Adé’s ideas and why Adé sees herself as a mediator. They also discuss Black History Month at OCAD U and how Adé feels the University and community can support her career moving forward.

*Recorded during the pandemic

Adé Abegunde

Environmental Design

ade.abegunde@student.ocadu.ca

Ig: @ade.jpg

Conversation with Kaylee Meyer | Black GradEx 2021 | OCAD University

In conversation with Kaylee Meyer, a graduate student from OCAD University’s Life Studies program

*Recorded during the pandemic

Assistant Professor Kestin Cornwall & Assistant Professor Michael Lee Poy sit down with their guest Kaylee Meyer to talk OCAD U, art, and what inspires Kaylee’s work. They all discuss What interests Kaylee most about the field. They discuss Kaylee’s homeland art process and experience at OCAD U. Furthermore, they go over what the community can do to support the arts. Kaylee Meyer Program: Life Studies Ig: @kay_dadliart Fb: Art by Kaylee Meyer Web: meyer-kaylee.format.com El: kayleekaymeyer@gmail.com

Kaylee Meyer

Program: Life Studies

Instagram: @kay_dadliart

Facebook: Art by Kaylee Meyer

Website: meyer-kaylee.format.com

Email: kayleekaymeyer@gmail.com

Conversation with Kayla Wallace | Black GradEx 2021 | OCAD University

In conversation with Kayla Wallace, a graduate student from OCAD University’s Environmental Design program.

Assistant Professor Kestin Cornwall & Assistant Professor Michael Lee Poy sit down with their guest Kayla Wallace, a graduate student from OCAD University’s Environmental Design program. They all discuss what interests Kayla most about the field and her process. Kayla speaks on the housing market and the importance of Environmental Design within our communities. Michael Lee Poy shares some advice and significant knowledge. You’ll enjoy this discussion, real talk!

*Recorded during the pandemic

Kayla Wallace Program: Environmental Design

Email: kaylawallace246@gmail.com

ig: @kaylashyannn


Conversation with Ehiko Odeh | Black GradEx 2021 | OCAD University

In conversation with Ehiko Odeh, a graduate student from OCAD University’s Drawing and Painting program.

*Recorded during the pandemic

Ehiko Odeh and Assistant Professor Kestin Cornwall discuss the Drawing and Painting program at OCAD U, her experience in the program, and what inspires her work. Ehiko candidly discusses Black culture, the need to be creative, and why the healing process she addresses is so important. You’ll enjoy this episode, promise! Ehiko Odeh Program: Drawing and Painting Ig: @ehikoo Web: ehik0studio.comEhiko Odeh and Assistant Professor Kestin Cornwall discuss the Drawing and Painting program at OCAD U, her experience in the program, and what inspires her work. Ehiko candidly discusses Black culture, the need to be creative, and why the healing process she addresses is so important. You’ll enjoy this episode, promise!

Ehiko Odeh

Program: Drawing and Painting

Ig: @ehikoo

Web: ehik0studio.com


Conversation with Natia Lemay | Black GradEx 2021 | OCAD University

In conversation with Natia Lemay, a graduate student from OCAD University’s Drawing and Painting program.


*Recorded during the pandemic


Natia Lemay and Assistant Professor Kestin Cornwall discuss the Drawing & Painting program at OCAD U. Natia candidly recount’s her past and some of her experiences growing up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Natia and Kestin talk about how this has affected her work and why her experiences are so meaningful. Why she does her art and how she tries to let others know they are not alone in their struggle through visual representation. They also talk about finding your tribe and working within your community. You’ll enjoy this episode and the others, for sure!

Thesis Option:

Students work with a group of instructors over the school year to research, produce and present a coherent body of work of professional exhibition quality. The artistic development in this course offers students an opportunity to work comprehensively on their ideas and to contextualize their artwork within historical and contemporary issues.

Advanced Studio Option:

In Advanced Studio, students pursue multiple projects and refine their technical skills in a studio-focused environment. Through discussions and readings, they learn a conceptual understanding of art in the context of assigned and elective course work. This option allows students greater breadth and flexibility in how they approach the final year of their studies. Drawing & Painting students are encouraged to take courses in Criticism & Curatorial Practice, Fabrication Studio courses and a range of interdisciplinary electives across the Faculty of Art.

Natia Lemay

Program: Drawing and Painting

Ig: @natialemayart

Web: natialemay.com

conversation with Sydney Gittens | Black GradEx 2021 | OCAD University

In conversation with Sydney Gittens, a graduate student from OCAD University’s Advertising program.

*Recorded during the pandemic

Sydney Gittens, and Assistant Professor Michael Lee Poy & Assistant Professor Kestin Cornwall discuss culture, the changes happing in the Advertising industry. Sydney also speaks on the Advertising program at OCAD U. Sydney candidly recounts her experience and how the community can help her career moving forward. You’ll enjoy this episode and the others, promise!

Sydney Gittens

Program: Advertising

Ig. @sydneymiagittens

Web. sydneymiagittens.format.com

This is Canada’s top advertising program through a combo of classes in graphic design, branding, creative copywriting and career-building skills. In this program, instructors who work in the advertising field teach students, Design, Storytelling, Digital Copywriting, Typography, Layout Strategy, Consumer behaviors and market research, Art direction, Film User experience, Public relations. Students learn storytelling from many different points of view. They are encouraged to challenge tradition and consider different viewpoints and values. Students also benefit from guest speakers from Canada’s biggest ad agencies and have the opportunity to do internships. The acclaimed alum of the program includes many top creative directors in Canada and worldwide, including Elspeth Lynn, Creative Director for Saatchi & Saatchi in London, UK, Wain Choi, Global VP ECD at Cheil Worldwide in Korea and Carlos Moreno, Global Chief Creative Officer for Cossette. At the end of this four-year program, students earn a Bachelor of Design degree. Get more details about the program. Blackocadu.ca – Song: Detroit Regeneration Music by SOUL ARchitek iamshakes.wixsite.com/soular/listen