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Nuit Blanche in Toronto 2023: Tight Spaces
This is one of the Nuit Blanche exhibits I was most curious about. Tight Spaces by Roda Medhat is an inflatable sculpture symbolizing the confining spaces of high-density developments that create a sense of isolation. This immersive installation highlights the negative impact of urbanization that encroaches on natural areas and calls for sustainable, human-centric city…
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Yonge Street Music History Murals
I worked on a project this week that filmed in some of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Toronto, including the Carlu at Yonge and College. Across the street from the Carlu, there is a building at 423 Yonge Street with stunning 22-story murals on the north and south sides. The murals, designed by…
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Exploring the Murals on Weston Road
A local Toronto artist recently gave me a photo they took about 20 years ago of a mural on a building at Weston Road and John Street, knowing how much I love photographing public art throughout Toronto. A visit to the area showed that this mural has long faded, so it was very special to…
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TTC Spotlights Indigenous Artists, Including Ojibwe Artist Ryan Besito’s ‘We the Nish’ Piece
While waiting to cross Royal York Road a TTC bus was approaching which is pretty unremarkable. But as it got closer I noticed the side of the bus was covered with a beautiful piece of art and I was so pleased when it hit the red light so I could take a photo. When I…
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‘Big Trash Animals’ Series by Bordalo II in Toronto
It is very exciting to have our very own Bordalo in Toronto, in the heart of Little Portugal. This astonishing rabbit mural created from street garbage is one of 195 murals around the world that make up Bordalo II’s “Big Trash Animals” series. Bordalo II is artist Artur Bordalo, who was born in 1987 in…
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Red Moon Bakery Mural Controversy in South Etobicoke
A new mural located outside Red Moon Bakery at Lakeshore Boulevard West and Fifth Street has become the centre of controversy since it recently went up. The artwork features influential rappers Sidhu Moose Wala, Tupac Shakur, and Biggie Smalls alongside acting legends Al Pacino as Tony Montana from “Scarface,” and Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone…
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Murals on Ossington in Toronto
Ossington Avenue really comes alive on a beautiful summer evening, with packed patios and people strolling along the streets. One of the highlights of this vibrant scene is the collection of murals on the buildings. Alongside Boehmer is the original cover of Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential. These stunning artworks effortlessly blend with the urban landscape,…
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Embracing Grief through Art: Dessa Ely’s Exhibition at Lakeshore Arts, a Special Presentation by Ridley Funeral Home
Lakeshore Arts, a strong supporter of the arts in Etobicoke, has provided a platform for emerging artist Dessa Ely to showcase her exceptional work. Yesterday evening at her exhibition titled “As Solid As Skin Can Be,” I had the privilege of experiencing Dessa’s extraordinary pieces that touched on themes of loss and grief. What made…
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Now Closed: Aquarium & Flowers on Lake Shore Blvd. West
While their collaboration may not be as obvious as perfume and fireworks, I always loved the sign on this store. I don’t know how their aquatic selection was but their flowers were beautiful and will be missed in Mimico. Located at 2372 Lake Shore Blvd West, it’s just a two-minute walk from this mural at…
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An Artistic Expression of Protest: Hanging Putin Installation in Toronto’s Kensington Market
In a bold act of protest against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s devastating invasion of Ukraine, a resident of Kensington Market made a statement by commissioning from a local artist a lifelike hanging mannequin of Putin. When asked about the motivation behind it, the resident (who requested anonymity) explained they wanted to bring attention to the…
