‘What Now?’ Relax.

Leslie Armstrong
Arts Editor
Tori Maas addresses serious themes of doubt and social awkwardness in her art, but you’d never guess based on how pretty it is.
The York grad recently placed her new collection What Now? around the Collaboratory in the Scott Library to remind uptight students to relax. A mixed-media text-based collection, her striking statements mimic the gloomy thought bubbles inside the average young adult’s head.
With bold statements ranging from “I had such great expectations” to “I never know what to say”, her nine-piece collection offers an “inner monologue”. Maas is admittedly shy and awkward in social situations—and she embraces it.
“I’m aware of it,” she says about her bashful nature. “I’m not trying to get over it or say that it shouldn’t be. […] Most people experience those feelings. It’s just something that people don’t really address.”

But more than just social tactlessness, What Now? addresses the overwhelming post-graduation syndrome.
“It’s sort of born of [the reality that] I’ve graduated and I’ve got a degree in art now, and what do I do. That thought before I leave my academic life and move into my professional life—what’s that in-between? […] [I’m exploring] that little moment of hesitation before I leave being a student and go into becoming a professional person.”
The decision to place the collection in the Scott Library, a place frequented by anxious students, was significant.
“I think that’s a feeling that’s very relevant to most students because there’s always that sort of ‘what’s next’ once I leave here.”
Maas’ pieces follow a pastel colour scheme of soft pinks, greens and yellows; the text is animated and childish; and the patterns are floral and innocent. One has to wonder about the juxtaposition of harsh statements and charming presentation.
“It undermines the severity of the text that I’m using with softer colours, the florals, the nice patterns,” she explains. “Undermining the severity of that message to show that I’m not really taking myself 100 per cent seriously.”
Perhaps as a secondary interpretation, the softness of the collection represents a false self-projection of contentment amidst actual anxiety.
“I think that I’m extending my statement as well that there is sort of a public face that everyone puts on,” offers Maas. “But those feelings and doubts are right below the surface.”
The mixed-media collection pushes the boundaries of typical canvas paintings, using unconventional materials—All in a Day’s Work, the sixth installment of What Now? reveals bus transfers, newspaper clippings, fragments of a map, and bits of fabric.
As for the patterns and use of fabric in her work, Maas says her past studies in textiles, before York, influenced the decision to use those materials. Her dainty, text-based style is also a deliberate aesthetic choice.
“[I] like that bold simplicity that text offers. I’m also very into design and typography. I just like the way the text looks when combined with image.”
Tori Maas’ signature look is evident in her other collections. Misanthropic also features gloomy thought bubbles like “I never want to see you again” in semblance with awkwardness and miscommunication in relationships.
What Now? will remain at the Scott Library until September, but the Second Cup at King Street and Strachan Avenue is currently housing three other pieces from the same collection.
Visit torimaas.com for information about projects, events and blogs.