A couple weeks ago, we took a short drive to Brampton for an absolutely delightful evening! We were there to see the internationally famous poet, performer and artist, Rupi Kaur. Kaur was performing in her hometown and getting inducted into the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame. Along the way, we also learned so much more about what Brampton is doing to revitalize their cultural scene!
We are, admittedly, big fans of Rupi Kaur and it has been amazing to witness her journey. From a self-published poet just a few years ago to the internationally famous, best-selling author she is today. She self-published milk and honey, her first collection of poetry in 2014. Since then it has went on to become an international best-seller, published in over 30 languages. In 2017, her new book, the sun and her flowers, was published to global acclaim and she embarked on a sold-out tour of her show. It was that show that we were there to experience.
As fans of her work, her show meant a great deal to us. She delivered a beautiful performance of her work, adding layers of meaning to what we already felt about her poetry. She was funny and personal and very open, explaining the meaning behind some of her poetry, what inspired her and sharing her favourites. She pulled heavily from the sun and her flowers but we were happy when she picked up milk and honey to perform some of our favourites. It was an incredible experience to see her live and we would highly recommend you see her perform if you like her work. Or pick up her collections if you haven’t had the chance to.
It was also a treat to be there while she was inducted into the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame. The Brampton Arts Walk of Fame, established in 2014, celebrates the creative and artistic talent from Brampton. And it has inducted 21 notable artists and creators since its creation. Rupi Kaur is one of four inductees for 2018, alongside Director X, Zarqa Nawaz and William Perkins Bull.
It’s exciting to learn that Brampton is revitalizing their cultural and arts scene. It’s doing so by investing in the city and giving local artists at every level, a platform for their work. There will be lots of great events coming up in the city of Brampton. Given it’s a short drive or GO Train ride away, it’s worth checking out their upcoming events! You can find out more by visiting their website.
