Gabriel George
April 29 - June 6, 2026
Reception: Thursday, April 30 from 6-8pm
Craft Ontario Gallery, 401 Richmond St West, Suite 108, Toronto
'Living Ritual' is a solo exhibition by Indo-Canadian artist Gabriel George inspired by Theyyam, an ancient ritual from northern Kerala, India, in which performer and deity become one. Gabriel does not reproduce this tradition so much as think through it, using its visual logic as a point of departure to explore how craft, costume, and ceremony function as vessels for cultural knowledge across generations and geographies.
At the centre of the exhibition is 'Echoes of the Divine', a large-scale installation built from paper, cardboard, yarn, wood, mirrors, and natural elements sourced locally in Canada. The elaborately constructed headpieces and ceremonial forms that emerge from these modest materials mirror the resourcefulness of Theyyam performers, who have long fabricated their own ritual objects from what is available. A suite of three new sculptures takes up the same visual language, and a video animation sets 'Echoes of the Divine' in motion.
Wall-mounted sculptures extend the inquiry outward, placing Theyyam in conversation with visual languages drawn from other folk and tribal traditions. Across cultures and centuries, George finds striking resonances: the same impulse to adorn, to invoke, to make the sacred visible through the work of hands.
'Living Ritual' asks what it means to carry a tradition forward, not by preserving it unchanged, but by finding it alive in the present.
Gabriel George is a creative Indo-Canadian artist inspired by heritage, culture, futurism, technology, and the beauty of nature. Born and raised in Kerala, India, he moved to Canada in 2015 to follow his passion for art. With experience as an associate art director for films and a successful art director for advertisements, Gabriel has a strong background in the creative industry. His work in installation art in India added depth and
storytelling to his art, shaping his unique style. In 2025, he completed his BFA in Sculpture and Installation from OCAD University in Toronto, further refining his skills and artistic vision.
Gabriel’s art includes paintings, sculptures, installations, and video art. He has a special talent for telling universal stories through his work, connecting with people from all walks of life. He often uses found objects and unusual materials, showing his love for creativity and experimentation. Gabriel is particularly drawn to large-scale installations, as he believes their size and presence can deeply move and engage viewers. His art blends tradition and modern ideas, inviting people to think, feel, and connect.
Gabriel’s work has been featured in many exhibitions in Canada and India, earning him recognition and praise. In 2015, his powerful poetry art installation earned him a place in the Limca Book of Records. Through his art, Gabriel continues to share stories that inspire imagination, stir emotions, and encourage viewers to see the world in new ways. His focus on innovation, material exploration, and audience interaction makes his art both meaningful and memorable. As he steps into this new chapter as a full-time artist, Gabriel is excited to create more impactful and immersive experiences for his audience.
gabrielartstudio.ca
