Meet Madame Gandhi

We can’t wait for the October 4^th First Thursday: #myspace. This edition of Toronto’s biggest art party is inspired by our major fall exhibition, Anthropocene. It will be filled with music performances, art and more by an exciting group of women artists including Sage Paul, Gxxrls and Kaitlin Prest.

We recently gave you a sneak peek of the performers. This week we’re spotlighting October’s First Thursday headliner Madame Gandhi – an exciting Los Angeles-based electronic musician, drummer and activist who’s known for creating art that celebrates the female voice. As well as being an artist in her own right, she’s performed on tour as a drummer for rapper and electronic artist M.I.A.

We caught up with Madame Gandhi to find out more about her music and what she’s got in store for us in October.

AGO: What inspired you to create music?
Gandhi: My politics and desire to be the best version of myself were deeply influenced by the musicians I listened to. Music caters to emotions and can inspire great change. I want to use my music to move the needle on gender equality and liberation.

AGO: You support the slogan, 'The Future is Female.' What does that slogan mean to you?
Gandhi: This slogan is about valuing femininity in all of us. It’s about elevating and celebrating what feminine energy brings to the table as an alternative form of leadership. It’s also about being inspired by notions of collaboration instead of competition, emotional intelligence instead of brute force aggression, and living in a world that is linked and not ranked.

AGO: As an artist and activist, what role does art play in activism?
Gandhi: Art can reflect truth in a pure and sincere way. It’s one of the most trusted ways of communicating activism because it’s not forcing the viewer or listener to do anything but receive the message.

AGO: Who are your musical influences?
Gandhi: TV on the Radio, Thievery Corporation, St. Vincent, Tune Yards, Fela Kuti, M.I.A. and the Dirty Projectors.

AGO: We can’t wait for your performance at First Thursday. What can visitors expect?
Gandhi: Expect an immersive experience of vibe-y bass lines, heavy and joyful percussion, love energy and feminist truths.

AGO: Do you have a favourite piece of artwork?
I loved seeing Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors.

First Thursday: #myspace is sure to be one of October’s hottest tickets, so get yours today. Tickets are $11 for AGO Members and $13 for the public; they are available on our website.

Want to check out the Anthropocene exhibition too? Advance tickets are $23 for First Thursday and exhibition entry (open 7 – 9:30 pm).

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