October 2, 2015
A StreetARToronto (StART) mural was unveiled today on the Lower Don River Trail at the Bala pedestrian and cycling underpass. Located southeast of Corktown Commons at the edge of the West Don Lands this large scale mural will transform the unassuming underpass into a place to pause and reflect.
The mural, created by celebrated artist Rolande Souliere, uses the principal concerns and esthetic of Souliere’s art practice to reference the historical Aboriginal trails and footpaths that crisscrossed the Don Valley.
Souliere’s mural for the Bala Underpass uses the colour symbolism of the Four Directions (red, white, black and yellow) in a way that simultaneously evokes the culture and spirituality of First Peoples’ beadwork and the visual language of barricades, urban roadways and boundaries.
"This striking mural conveys the significant Aboriginal history in our community as well as providing a colourful link to public art programs on both sides of the underpass," said Councillor Pam McConnell (Ward 28, Toronto Centre-Rosedale).
Working across disciplines of painting, sculpture, photography and more recently collage, Souliere's practice is primarily installation that combines abstraction with organic forms, the hand crafted and the assisted readymade. Her Anishinaabe cultural heritage remains a poignant element of her art practice.
StART, launched in 2012, is a program of Transportation Services' public realm section. It is an innovative, public-private partnership designed to develop, support, promote and increase awareness of street art and its ability to beautify the city's visual landscape. StART’s underpass program provides opportunities for artists to create works of art that contribute to the program mandate; to make walking, cycling or driving through Toronto's underpasses more appealing; and to strengthen the sense of place, inclusion and belonging within communities.
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Media contact: Patricia Barrett, Strategic Communications, 416-392-4716, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
