Sid Lee and OnlyOneGallery Create Nostalgic Love Letter to Microsoft Paint

Sid Lee Collective and OnlyOneGallery have created a love letter to Microsoft Paint in the form of a collection of artwork entitled “WeLoveMSPaint” for the anniversary month of the software.

“So many creative people experienced formative moments in their childhood using MS Paint, leading them towards a creative career path that they might not have experienced otherwise. We wanted to show how MS Paint continues to be a driving force and prove that creativity can be expressed on any platform,” says Jeffrey Da Silva, executive creative director.

When Microsoft announced in early June 2017 that they would remove the application, fans collectively banded together in an outpouring of support, nostalgia and love for the program. Ultimately, in July 2017, MS Paint was saved from discontinuation. For 33 years, the widespread availability of MS Paint has allowed visual artists, graphic designers, and creative people in general to express themselves.

“MS Paint was one of my favourite things to play with when my family first got a computer, and I remember always thinking about the limited number of ‘undos’ you got,” says Michelle Lefade, one of the artists represented under OnlyOneGallery.

The homage to the software, entitled “WeLoveMSPaint,” is comprised of original artwork from a roster of OnlyOneGallery artists, artist statements and social content. The original artwork had no creative direction or constraints to allow our artists to truly express themselves. Each of our artists faced the unique challenge of reinterpreting their style and body of work through MS Paint.

The project is a collaboration between OnlyOneGallery, an influential Toronto gallery platform for both established and emerging artists, and Sid Lee Collective, a subset of Sid Lee that provides funds for the passion projects of agency employees.

“There was a need to engage our arts community and artist friends and provide a platform where ideas come to life – a place for freedom of expression without boundaries,” says OnlyOneGallery owner Cais Mukhyaesh. “And the goal of this project was to tap into our own nostalgia for MS Paint and create a collective love letter to the program that has shaped and influenced millions of people.”