The rooster

I recently made it downtown to see the Ai Weiwei exposition that's up in Nathan Phillip's Square. There is a representation of each of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. They are quite detailed and I'm really glad I had the time to see these works before they're gone.

Perfect symmetry

There is a wonderful courtyard area at Hart House where you can dine al fresco and enjoy the sites like this work by Sorel Etrog. The perfect symmetry of this scene appealed to me, hope you enjoy it too!

Past, present, future

I found this mural depicting Toronto (and other cities) through the ages inside the Sterling Tower. I love the mix of old-timey and modern mixed together here - especially the satellites in the sky! This mural was part of the Art Deco tour I recently took part in, unfortunately I don't remember all the history behind this work of art, but it's pretty special. For more murals, take a look at Monday Mural.

Details in relief

I recently did a walking tour of downtown Toronto which focused on art and architecture from the art deco period. The old Bank of Nova Scotia building on King Street is a beautiful example of the period which luckily has been preserved. Each of these reliefs depicts a mythological character. So many of Toronto's historic buildings have been torn down to make way for newer and modern structures, but I'm glad this one and others were saved. I'll have more from the tour for you this week.

Commuters

I found this photographic mural in the same place as the Pixel Matrix display. This mural is an actual photo of a street scene in Toronto. 

The work is definitely worth a closer look, some of the people seem to have noticed the camera - others just go about their business. I'm sure we could write some stories for these people. For more murals, visit Monday Mural.

Museum station

Several museums, including the Gardiner, are accessible from Museum Station. I know the columns with the fake Egyptian and Incan art are sort of cheesy, but I rather like them. It's one of my favorite stops on the yellow line.

Pixelated reflections

I found this wonderful piece of public art in downtown Toronto. The menkes building is connected directly to Union Station, so I am sure they get a lot of foot traffic, and I think it's great they've put up some art to make the public space more attractive to those who are passing through. For more reflections, take a look at Weekend Reflections.

Mith

This is another work from the Gardiner that I actually liked. Maybe I am drawn to these haunting faces, but there is something about the expression here that just pulls me in. This piece is by American artist Doug Jeck; it's part of the Gardiner's permanent collection.

Lovers

This is one work from the Gardiner that I actually liked. The work is called Barque Saint Julien by French artist Georges Jeanclos. I find this piece really moving, there's something so real, yet haunting about the way these two are gazing into each other's eyes.

Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend! I was lucky enough to get in a round of golf today, so it was a good weekend for me.

Traditional pieces

Here's a look at some of the pieces in the Gardiner Museum's permanent collection. These works are certainly more traditional than the pieces I showed earlier this week. I must admit, I wouldn't necessarily want these in my home either, but I can admire the work that went into making and painting these figurines. 

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! I'm hoping to get some nice fall shots to showcase next week.

Big winner

Manga Ormolu Ver 5.0-K was the big winner of the People's Choice Award at the Gardiner Museum. Personally,  I don't care for it at all. But I suppose the bright colors are nice!

Under cover

I did a little more digging on the internet and found the website on the Emerging Artist People's Choice award that was going on at the Gardiner when I visited. Under Cover is the work I actually voted for, although to be honest, none of the entries really appealed to me too much. 

I suppose the ornate gun is somehow a symbol of today's society. I don't really know what to make of it all, but I'm sure someone artsier than I will see the beauty and mystery behind these works. I'll show you the winner tomorrow.

Lava

I saw this work of art at the Gardiner Museum a few weeks ago. There was actually a contest going on and this was one of the works in the running. It's a porcelain chain-link volcano entitled Shelter. For more red, take a look at Ruby Tuesday.

The Tritons

I pass this sculpture every time I go to Yorkdale Mall and I always mean to get a photo of it. So the last time I was there, I actually did! The dramatic sky makes an interesting background for these figures who appear to be floating. Hope you have big plans for the weekend. Happy Friday! 

For more skies, check out Skywatch.

Pillars of Justice

I found the Pillars of Justice in downtown Toronto near the courthouse. There are actually only eleven jurors standing together, but you can see a space for the twelfth - that's the space for you! I rather like this idea of interactive art. Lots of people like to take their photo with the statue and I think that's a great sign of success for this piece of public art.

A little Moore

I've been finding Moore works all over the place - both here at home and in Chicago! This work can also be found in the Galleria Italia at the AGO. I am thinking about purchasing a one year membership - that way I could visit more often as I just love this place. 

It's a long weekend for us North Americans. I'll be out of town until Monday, but I've got some posts ready for you and I'll be blogging here and there when I have time. Enjoy the long weekend!

Other works

The Art Gallery of Ontario is a work of art in its own right. It was given a major facelift a few years ago by Toronto's famous son, Frank Gehry. This is a look at a Moore sculpture which graces the Galleria Italia, one of the Gehry additions. It's a beautiful space for art!

Illicit shot: part II

This is one of the shots I had scheduled for you this past weekend. It's one of Picasso's early sculptures. Enjoy!

Illicit shot

I didn't realize that photography was not allowed at the AGO's Picasso exhibit. In my defense, the usual no photos signs (a camera with a red slash through it) were not posted anywhere. Before I was stopped, I managed to get this shot of two of the artist's self-portraits. I love the contrast between his older and younger selves. In case I haven't made it clear, this show is not-to-be-missed!

Get a room!

As promised, here's a peek inside one of the rooms at the Gladstone Hotel. This one was designed by Bruno Billio and it uses a lot of antique accessories and furnishings from  the original Gladstone building, but what I really love is that red wall and architectural style drawing. Unfortunately, it's hard to get a good overview shot as the rooms are not so spacious, but I hope this gives you and idea of how nice the rooms are.