The Anti-Bland Brigade

In creating this exhibition and the formation of The Anti-Bland Brigade, Shannon Pawliw has had to navigate a complex spectrum of thoughts and feelings towards her fellow humans. Perhaps naively, she envisions a world where not only do we NOT kill each other over land and ideologies, we prioritize ensuring that everyone has enough. A world where we cherish and protect this remarkable planet.

Despite moments of catastrophic disappointment, she remains steadfast in her belief in the potential of our species.

Pawliw’s greatest hope is for humanity to come together to address our vital challenges through community connection at a grass-roots level. To advocate for the fostering of innovation and minimizing of exploitation, focusing on love and wellness over punishment and self-interest. The Anti-Bland Brigade encourages us to spend time with loved ones, care for each other, and learn to appreciate and understand those who are different from us.

Building community and connection should be at the heart of everything.

The world would be very bland if we were all the same. If we all had exactly the same outlook, beliefs and traits there would be nothing to marvel at. Nothing to discuss. No innovation or expression.

The paintings in this exhibition reflect Pawliw’s desire to work through her disappointment in humanity through exploration and play — two quintessential traits of the human animal. At its core, the work is an effort to process emotions and find joy in the world. It is a celebration of individuality and creativity, standing against the ‘blanding’ and conformity of modern life.

The Anti-Bland Brigade is also a call to action. Viewers are invited to reflect on their own lives and the ways in which they can contribute to a more vibrant and compassionate world.

The Anti-Bland Pledge:

I promise to be myself.
To spark conversations with strangers.
To embrace people’s differences.
To remember empathy.
To frame every action with love.
To be playful.