Toronto is a captivating city; it provides a feast for the eyes and the senses when it comes to attractions. Hidden behind this mesmerizing city are several works of art that might have escaped your notice.
Some of these works of art have captivating back stories with rich histories; you might have even inadvertently crossed paths with a few of them without noticing their significance. So, without further ado, here are 10 hidden works of art in the city that are worth your attention.
J.E.H. MacDonald at EY Tower
Location: 100 Adelaide St. W
Instagram:
Considered to be a founding member of the group of seven artists, J.E.H. MacDonald has a captivating mosaic panel over the arched entrance of the concourse building of the EY Tower. The mosaic features the gathering of the elements, including air, earth, fire, and water. The appearance of an airplane, ship, dove, plough, wheatsheaf, and deer with birds further extenuates the symbolism. The archway surrounding the artwork features intricate, detailed works.
Michael Snow at 401 Richmond
Location: 401 Richmond St. W
Instagram: N/A
This street is brimming with artwork, featuring pieces from both past and current artists. On the third floor, there is a poster of Michael Snow’s famous Women Walking series in pigmented blue and pink vinyl. Snow is a renowned artist who received several awards for his work, including the Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts in 2000.
Frank Stella at the Princess of Wales Theatre
Location: 300 King St. W
Instagram:
The Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto has several creative pieces by Frank Stella. The American minimalist artist is known for his works of art that feature geometric abstractions on both the interior and exterior. Once inside the theatre, you will come across many of his works, the most notable among them is the dome adorned with Stella’s Moby Dick series, which Stella worked on from 1986 to 1997.
Richard Serra at Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 1
Location: 6301 Silver Dart Dr., Mississauga
Instagram:
Unique in its own right, the sculpture Tilted Spheres emerges from the tile floor. The gigantic steel sculpture is one of Serra’s most distinctive works. It gives you the feeling of space when you walk through its wrapped compartments. The creative work emphasizes the relationship with the environment and landscape.
Denyse Thomasos at Toronto Dominion Centre
Location: 66 Wellington St. W.
Instagram:
This is one of the last paintings made by the acclaimed Canadian Trinidadian artist before her untimely death. The painting features Thomasos’s recognizable abstractions of floating cities.
Shannon Bool at Park Hyatt Toronto
Location: 4 Avenue Rd.
Instagram:
Born in Canada, the artist Shannon Bool now lives and works in Berlin. A large tapestry by the artist is featured at the Park Hyatt in Toronto. The work dubbed Dead Ringers depicts fashion mannequins amongst brutalist structures. The tableau is placed together through intricate threads and is reminiscent of how Bool weaves consumerism with a distinct landscape.
James Turrell at Bay & Adelaide Centre
Location: Bay Adelaide Centre, 333 Bay St
Instagram:
A master at manipulating light, the magic of Turrell is evident in many of his works. One of the most unique is the Straight Flush light installation, commissioned for the Adelaide Centre in 2009. When viewed during the day, it showcases pastel screens dancing softly; the five tall panels also rotate through five vibrant colour sequences.
Micah Lexier at Bay & Adelaide Centre, East Tower
Location: 22 Adelaide St. W.
Instagram:
Gracing the entrance lobby of the Bay Adelaide East Tower, this work of art by Canadian artist Micah Lexier, known for his playful minimalism, is called 2 Circles. The pieces were made out of tiles; it took about 30 people a whole year to make the tiny tiles, which were then snapped together before being placed in the massive mosaic that features 1.6 million separate pieces.
Alex Fischer & Qavavau Manumie at the Canada Goose Store, Yorkdale Mall
Location: 3401 Dufferin St., Unit 501
Instagram:
Although a mall might not be your ideal spot when you think of art, this installation by Toronto artist Alex Fisher and Inuk artist Qavavau Manumie is unique. The 15-foot sculpture resembles a tree that sprouts from the middle of the floor.
Sandra Brewster at the Evergreen Brick Works
Location: 550 Bayview Ave.
Instagram:
In most of her outdoor art installations, Toronto-based artist Sandra Brewster focuses on the Black experiences in the Canadian wilderness. Her work, Evergreen, pays tribute to the new perspective surrounding nature.
David Messiha | Staff Writer
