Koilos

Location: Gristmill Lane, Distillery District
Date photo taken: 6 June 2009

This 4 meter tall steel sculpture by American artist Michael Christian used to stand guard on the western edge of the Distillery District, greeting visitors in its part-threatening, part-playful way. It was a favourite with photographers and living in the neighbourhood, I rarely passed it without seeing someone standing under or climbing on it for a picture. This spot is now vacant as Koilos was recently disassembled and removed. According to Torontoist, the sculpture has been sold to a private owner and will be making its way up to Muskoka.  UPDATE: See a picture of Koilos in its new home.

Koilos first debuted at Burning Man in 2007. It was brought to the Distillery on a three year loan in 2009 along with another Christian sculpture. This represented the first time Christian brought any of his work to Canada.