1% (Occupy Toronto)

On October 25, 2011, I found myself amidst the Occupy Toronto movement, drawn to witness firsthand the unfolding narrative of the 1% protest. My lens sought not to capture the spectacle of conflict, but rather the quiet undercurrents of a community grappling with complex financial issues. The atmosphere was one of anticipation, a collective pause as individuals connected, conversed, and seemingly waited for a catalyst. I documented the faces in the crowd, the shared moments of dialogue, and the nascent sense of community that emerged. While the protest remained largely peaceful, an undercurrent of frustration and unease was palpable. My aim was not to focus on any single figure or faction, but to capture the breadth of the experience, the diverse perspectives, and the overall mood of the day. These photographs are not intended to provide easy answers or offer a singular interpretation of the 1% movement. Instead, they serve as a window into a moment of uncertainty and searching, a reflection of the confusion and unfocused communication surrounding the financial issues at the heart of the protest. It is my hope that this series brings viewers closer to understanding the complexities of that day, prompting reflection and deeper engagement with the ongoing conversation about economic disparity.

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I took these photographs in 2011, shared them with a select group of friends and to my then small group of followers on Instagram as one-offs. Some people have seen some of these photographs but not an an entire curated fully developed collection; I didn't finish developing & curating them until 2024 & 2025.

I have re-rereleased the entire series as part of my time-capsule projects & to serve as a reminder of the current state of the world.

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