Art
For these adult siblings, living together is an art
When Mehnaz Tabassum left Bangladesh in 2015 to attend university in Canada, it was with a tearful goodbye and a promise to the siblings she left behind — that one day they’d join her.
Eight years later, she’s more than made good on that promise.
Her two younger siblings, Adib Rahman and Fabiha Tarannum followed her to Newfoundland to pursue their own studies within three years, along with family friend Mahmudul Islam Shourov — who they say has become like a brother to them.
When Tabassum got a job in Ottawa in 2021, her adult siblings decided to follow her once again.
Now the family of 20-somethings own a house together in Canada’s capital with Tabassum’s husband Saif Ahmed.
They also run a non-profit and vacation together.
As they explain in a video for CBC Ottawa’s Creator Network — they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Our story is about five individuals with five different personalities who make a choice everyday to merge our lives,” Tabassum said.
Choosing to stay together despite the challenges
Growing up, the siblings were close, being only a few years apart in age. But as adults, they found their personalities tended to clash.
“At some point you disagree on certain things [and it takes time] adjusting to each other’s [lifestyle],” Rahman said.
Still, Rahman says the family wouldn’t change a thing despite the apparent “chaos” of their living arrangements.
“There were moments [when deciding whether or not to move to Ottawa] where we thought we would all go our different directions … but the more we talked about it, the more we realized that our strength is in unity … in being together,” he said.
He adds that, to people on the outside looking in, their living situation is often viewed as “wholesome.”
For his parents, who still live back in Bangladesh, it’s a relief.
“Our parents are very happy we are all together, they really don’t have to worry about us being unsafe or going through [hardships] together by ourselves.”
Rahman says the concept of extended families or multigenerational families living under one roof isn’t uncommon in South Asian culture, but that’s not the only thing that contributed to their family’s decision.
The rising cost of living and the sense of isolation coming out of the pandemic were other considerations, Rahman says.
“It’s very hard right now out there with inflation … and it’s gotten more and more common where friends are getting a house together.”
For Tarannum, the youngest member of the family and last one to move to Canada, cost was certainly a factor. But knowing she had the support of her family cemented her decision to join them in a new city, despite having to leave a full-time job in Newfoundland with nothing lined up in Ottawa.
“It was a little bit challenging especially with the labour market in Ottawa … but I had their emotional support, as well, and I had a lot of guidance from my sister. So even though it was difficult, I did adjust,” she says.
For Shourov, the decision to follow his adopted family was an easy one. Though their parents were longtime friends, he’d actually never met the siblings until coming to Canada. But he says he quickly grew close with Tabassum and her siblings.
“I looked up to [Tabassum and Ahmed] for mentorship because obviously there was a cultural shock here that neither myself nor [Rahman] were really prepared for,” he recalls of the pair’s early years in Canada.
Tabassum especially, he says, gave “big sister energy” right away, bringing him into the fold and including him in family activities and helping him navigate the challenges of life as an international student.
Following her to Ottawa was a no-brainer. “Some bonds cut deeper than blood,” he said.
Fighting food insecurity as a family
Despite their success now, Mehnaz says she and her husband struggled when they first arrived as young international students.
“When me and [Ahmed] moved to Canada we were very reliant on food banks,” she recalls.
When the pandemic hit in 2020 and food banks weren’t as easily accessible, she wanted to do something to help her community.
That’s how the siblings came up with the idea for NL Eats — a non-profit that distributes food hampers, organizes food drives and fights stigma on food insecurity through education.
When they moved to Ottawa in 2021, they decided to expand the non-profit to their new home and recently held an educational session on food insecurity, inflation and food production and sustainability. That’s on the side of full-time work in law, the public service, the non-profit sector and at Shopify.
Planning for the future
Next year, Shourov’s younger brother plans to follow in his footsteps, heading to Newfoundland for university, before ultimately joining the family in Ottawa.
For now, one roof is enough for them — but they say as their family continues to grow, and the rest of the siblings think about getting married, they plan on buying houses in the same neighbourhood.
Until then, they look forward to seeing where life takes them together.
“We’re all kind of growing up together and we’re learning to embrace new versions of ourselves,” Shourov said.
Rahman likens living together to an art that requires “compromise, understanding and a certain level of trust and openness.”
“That’s why we call it the art of co-existing.”
Art
Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver Island art community, a local art dealer has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. Calvin Lucyshyn, the former operator of the now-closed Winchester Galleries in Oak Bay, faces the charge after police seized hundreds of artworks, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, from various storage sites in the Greater Victoria area.
Alleged Fraud Scheme
Police allege that Lucyshyn had been taking valuable art from members of the public under the guise of appraising or consigning the pieces for sale, only to cut off all communication with the owners. This investigation began in April 2022, when police received a complaint from an individual who had provided four paintings to Lucyshyn, including three works by renowned British Columbia artist Emily Carr, and had not received any updates on their sale.
Further investigation by the Saanich Police Department revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Detectives found other alleged victims who had similar experiences with Winchester Galleries, leading police to execute search warrants at three separate storage locations across Greater Victoria.
Massive Seizure of Artworks
In what has become one of the largest art fraud investigations in recent Canadian history, authorities seized approximately 1,100 pieces of art, including more than 600 pieces from a storage site in Saanich, over 300 in Langford, and more than 100 in Oak Bay. Some of the more valuable pieces, according to police, were estimated to be worth $85,000 each.
Lucyshyn was arrested on April 21, 2022, but was later released from custody. In May 2024, a fraud charge was formally laid against him.
Artwork Returned, but Some Remain Unclaimed
In a statement released on Monday, the Saanich Police Department confirmed that 1,050 of the seized artworks have been returned to their rightful owners. However, several pieces remain unclaimed, and police continue their efforts to track down the owners of these works.
Court Proceedings Ongoing
The criminal charge against Lucyshyn has not yet been tested in court, and he has publicly stated his intention to defend himself against any pending allegations. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10, 2024.
Impact on the Local Art Community
The news of Lucyshyn’s alleged fraud has deeply affected Vancouver Island’s art community, particularly collectors, galleries, and artists who may have been impacted by the gallery’s operations. With high-value pieces from artists like Emily Carr involved, the case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist in art transactions.
For many art collectors, the investigation has raised concerns about the potential for fraud in the art world, particularly when it comes to dealing with private galleries and dealers. The seizure of such a vast collection of artworks has also led to questions about the management and oversight of valuable art pieces, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in the industry.
As the case continues to unfold in court, it will likely serve as a cautionary tale for collectors and galleries alike, highlighting the need for due diligence in the sale and appraisal of high-value artworks.
While much of the seized artwork has been returned, the full scale of the alleged fraud is still being unraveled. Lucyshyn’s upcoming court appearances will be closely watched, not only by the legal community but also by the wider art world, as it navigates the fallout from one of Canada’s most significant art fraud cases in recent memory.
Art collectors and individuals who believe they may have been affected by this case are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department to inquire about any unclaimed pieces. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder for anyone involved in high-value art transactions to work with reputable dealers and to keep thorough documentation of all transactions.
As with any investment, whether in art or other ventures, it is crucial to be cautious and informed. Art fraud can devastate personal collections and finances, but by taking steps to verify authenticity, provenance, and the reputation of dealers, collectors can help safeguard their valuable pieces.
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
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