HAUI

Canadian mixed media artist

HAUI is the stage name for Howard J Davis, is a Canadian mixed-media artist known for his cross-disciplinary contributions to theatre, dance, opera, film, and visual arts.[1] His work explores themes of race, gender, and sexual orientation, aiming to bridge art with activism and illuminate marginalized narratives in history[2].

## Career

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HAUI has collaborated with arts organizations including the Canadian Opera Company, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, and Wildseed Centre for Arts and Activism.[3] His artistic portfolio spans directing for stage and screen, designing video projections and visual arts, and devising plays, poetry, producing, and performing.

## Notable works

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One of HAUI's achievements includes directing his feature-film debut, MixedUp, produced by trans filmmaker Jack Fox. The film was produced in collaboration with OUTtv, the world's largest LGBTQ+ network[4]. MixedUp has been described as "a bold mix of documentary, confessional, strident manifesto, and arthouse experiment" that "defies categorization, a lot like the artist at its centre"[5].

He also directed, designed, and devised Private Flowers[6], a site-specific dance installation at Toronto's Fort York National Historic Site, commissioned by the City of Toronto for Pride festivities[7].

HAUI's world premiere of Aportia Chryptych: A Black Opera for Portia White at the Canadian Opera Company marked a significant milestone in opera.[8][9] This production featured the first all-Black creative team including stage director, librettist, composer, ensemble, costume, and sound designer, celebrating diversity in a groundbreaking performance[10]

## Recognition and awards

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HAUI was appointed artist-in-residence for the City of Guelph[11][12] and received the Recent Graduate Award from Toronto Metropolitan University in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the arts nationally and internationally[2].

## Artistic approach

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Known for his rejection of categorizations, HAUI's art reflects the diversity of his own identity, amplifying overlooked themes, myths, and histories.[13] He creates works that intersect various artistic mediums, challenging traditional boundaries through an unconventional and diverse lens.[14]

## References

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1. ^ "Film review: Mixed↑ turns the search for identity into a provocative and artful experiment". Stir. 2020-11-10. Retrieved 2024-07-28.
2. ^ a b "HAUI". Toronto Metropolitan University. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
3. ^ "Aportia Chryptych: A Black Opera for Portia White". Opening Night! - Spotlight at Stanford. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
4. ^ MixedUp (2021-06-09). MixedUp on ETalk Canada (Traci Melchor & Haui (Howard J Davis). Retrieved 2024-07-27 - via YouTube.
5. ^ "Film review: Mixed↑ turns the search for identity into a provocative and artful experiment". Stir. 2020-11-10. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
6. ^ Cheese, Tyler (June 23, 2023). "It's Pride weekend in Toronto and there's more happening than you think". CBC News.
7. ^ Crabb, Michael (2023-07-24). "Fort York's 'Private Flowers': new installation illuminates a his-story that (used to) dare not speak its name". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
8. ^ "Aportia Chryptych: A Black Opera for Portia White | National Creation Fund". nac-cna.ca. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
9. ^ Creamer, Brendyn (May 1, 2024). "Canadian artist HAUI talks Portia White opera: 'We can exist in a multitude of expressions'".
10. ^ "Review: Aportia Chryptych tells an old Canadian story in a new way". The Globe and Mail. 2024-06-18. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
11. ^ "Guelph Artist-in-Residence program". City of Guelph. Retrieved 2024-07-27.
12. ^ "City of Guelph announces 2024 Artists-in-Residence". Guelph Mercury. 2024-06-01. Retrieved 2024-07-28.
13. ^ "Meet these empowering Pride Champions". Toronto Metropolitan University. Retrieved 2024-07-28.
14. ^ "Celebrating TMU's 2023 Alumni Achievement Award winners". Toronto Metropolitan University. Retrieved 2024-07-28.