3 Nov 2021

Immigrant Family

 Public art installation of a family of cartoon-like characters, rendered in bronze: a father with suit, hat and suitcase, a mother with a kerchief, holding a baby

Location: 18 Yonge Street
Date photo taken: 12 May 2021

American artist Tom Otterness is known for creating installations that bring humour and joy to public spaces. I myself can still remember the wonder I felt when I discovered his cartoonish characters festooning the New York subway. For his Toronto-based work, commissioned by Lanterra Developments for its property at 18 Yonge Street, the theme is a little less whimsical but heart-warming all the same. First envisioned as a group of tourists visiting the city, the sculpture morphed into this immigrant family grouping after a nudge from the developer. Toronto is, after all, a city of immigrants and the condo sits between Union Station and the port, both of which have been gateways for countless  newcomers. 

No comments:

Post a Comment