The Rhythm of Us (2024)

46 Magnolia Avenue

31.1 x 3 mtr (102 x 10 ft) “The Rhythm of Us” envisions a vibrant interplay between the Sussex community, its natural surroundings, and its rich cultural heritage. This title captures a sense of connection and shared movement, suggesting harmony and unity. It evokes the idea of people or elements moving together in sync, creating something greater than the sum of their parts. It’s a phrase that resonates with the idea of community, shared experiences, or even a deep personal connection. This artwork features the dynamic imagery of horses in motion, overlaid with local native plants. Captured mid-stride, these horses embody Sussex’s countryside spirit, symbolizing the community’s strength, vitality, and enduring traditions through the passage of time.

The artists: Anaϊs Labrèque & Dominic Laporte of Drift Mural Co.

Co-Founding members, Anaϊs Labrèque and Dominic Laporte, are continually striving to implement public art projects, as a tool to build a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Dominic’s prolific career boasts over 100 mural projects; his portfolio includes large-scale commissions for prestigious institutions such as Canada’s Museum of Science & Technology, Canadian Heritage, Street Art Toronto, STEPS Public Art, and Microsoft among others. He has also been a featured artist at various mural festivals worldwide, such as Noisy Waters Mural Festival and PLNTNG Seeds in the United States, Sibiu International Street Art Festival in Romania, and numerous Canadian mural festivals. His artistic evolution is a testament to his dedication to engaging with audiences beyond traditional gallery spaces, using murals as a medium to bridge diverse perspectives. Dom’s blending of traditional painting techniques with innovative mixed-media approaches reflects a profound connection to the natural world, exploring themes of interdependence and mutual respect among species. Through his art, he invites viewers to contemplate their role within the intricate web of life.

Anaϊs Labrèque, co-founder of DRIFT Mural Co. is the bilingual (FR/ENG) project manager for large scale mural projects. She has been consulting and collaborating on mural projects behind the scenes with Dominic for close to 8 years. Anaïs brings a breath of fresh perspective into their collaborative efforts, drawing from her passion for research, documentation, and her experiences from travels to infuse the work with narratives that resonate deeply with the communities they serve. She serves as the backbone of the team, seamlessly managing the often-forgotten logistical intricacies of operating an international public art company while also contributing hands-on to the painting process. Her multifaceted role underscores DRIFT’s commitment to artistic engagement and community connection.

Together, with their shared passion for community-based and accessible art forms, they strive to implement a variety of mural projects in communities around the world, celebrating each one’s unique identity through the power of public art.