Everything is OK Protest sign at G7 Summit Toronto Canada | Wall Art

Everything is OK Protest Sign at G7 Summit – Black and White Wall Art

This photograph, taken during the G7 Summit in Toronto, captures a lively moment in the heart of a protest. A young man walks through the crowd, holding a cardboard sign that reads, “Everything is OK,” with a playful note to “Google it.” The sign, seemingly ironic in the context of a protest, contrasts the tension that often surrounds such events. His slightly amused but purposeful expression adds to the sense of irony, making you wonder if his message is one of optimism or a subtle critique of the situation. 

The crowd around him, made up of people with varying expressions, creates a dynamic backdrop. Some seem intrigued by his sign, while others are focused on different parts of the protest. The scene is full of energy, with the intersection at Spadina Avenue and the surrounding city buildings giving the image a sense of place. The overhead wires from the streetcars add a structural element to the frame, drawing the viewer’s eye toward the center where the man and his sign stand.

The black and white composition adds to the timelessness of the moment, stripping the scene down to its essentials—people, expressions, and a bold message. It’s a piece of street photography that captures the intersection of humor, protest, and urban life in one snapshot.

Personal note: This moment stood out to me because of the juxtaposition between the man’s sign and the event happening around him. It’s a mix of humor and protest that you don’t often see, and I wanted to capture that energy. The sign felt like a statement that could be interpreted in so many ways, which is what makes street photography so powerful—it’s all about perspective.

© Dan Kosmayer, 2010