Description

The Parkdale neighbourhood is located west of downtown Toronto. Owing to the many affordable rental apartments and its proximity to the downtown core, Parkdale has evolved as a transient working-class neighbourhood. It has one of the most diverse demographics of any Toronto neighbourhood and the area has also seen an influx of artists working in relatively inexpensive spaces.
 
This selection of images is from a series of 30 portraits that Pimentel completed in 1987 of individuals in their single-room Parkdale accommodations. Pimentel’s images provide us with a unique insight into the many idiosyncratic people that live within the Parkdale community. The viewer can use small visual clues from within the frame to determine the character and interests of the people depicted. Both One Room Dwellings and Dunlands Restaurant comment on the temporality of memory and individuality.;The 1980s is often considered the ‘renaissance’ of indigenous art. This can be seen in Pimentel’s pieces as he documents various indigenous artists and indigenous art connoisseurs.  ;Pimentel graduated from Ryerson Media Studies program, with an M.A. in Art Therapy from the University of Buffalo. He is known for his ability to capture individuals in un-posed, natural settings with great insight and empathy. His work often depicts scenes addressing social commentary. The composition is skilful yet spontaneous, creating a more personal feeling with the subjects.
During the period from 1960 to 1980 photographers became increasingly interested in documenting the social landscape through the growing trend of street photography and the snapshot, capturing moments that made the invisible, visible. The subject of the marginalized gained significance, reflecting the civil rights movement, a rise in feminism and the social and cultural diversity of urban centers.
Pimentel’s work has been acquired by the National Gallery of Canada, the National Archives of Canada and the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography.;Jim Heineman has been a mainstay of the Toronto jazz scene for decades. Born in New York, Jim moved to Toronto to open up his own jazz club during the cultural explosion of the 60s.