1087 Dundas St. W

by | Jan 31, 2023 | artwork

1087 Dundas St. W
Amália Rodrigues Centenary Project

This mural is one piece in a larger international project, honouring the life and legacy of Portuguese artist Amália Rodrigues- known as the ‘Rainha do Fado’ (Queen of Fado). Rodrigues was instrumental in popularizing fado worldwide and traveled internationally throughout her career.

The mural, located at 1087 Dundas St. West, was created by Montreal artist Matthew Cadoch in partnership with Little Portugal Toronto BIA. For those in the city’s west end, another mural has been created at the Portuguese Cultural Center of Mississauga at 53 Queen St N.

Herman Alves has spearheaded the larger project of installing twenty-five murals dedicated to Amália Rodrigues around the globe to celebrate the 100th anniversary of her birth.  A Montreal-based businessman, Alves describes himself as someone passionate for the arts looking to share Portuguese culture with the world, starting with the iconic fadista Amália Rodrigues. Alves said the latest mural, painted in Toronto’s Little Portugal, follows previous paintings in Porto-de-Mos, Portugal and Montreal.

Over her successful career, Amália was able to popularize the iconic Portuguese sound and bring it onto the international stage with performances in  France, the United States, Japan and the Soviet Union.

In a press release, Alvez said, “The name of Amália continues to be extolled with the same pride and patriotism with which the Portuguese flag is raised…..I want to share with the world our artistic talents scattered throughout the Diaspora, to give them opportunities to show what they are worth, especially in this period when so many doors were closed with the arrival of Covid-19.”

Thanks to the partners in the Little Portugal Toronto community that came together to make this happen- including IC Savings, LiUNA! and building landlord Frank Alvarez. 

Artwork Information
  • Title: Amália Rodrigues Centenary Project
  • Creation Date: 2021
  • Address: 1087 Dundas St. W
  • Artist: Matthew Cadoch

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Matthew Cadoch

The mural, located at 1087 Dundas St. West, was created by Montreal artist Matthew Cadoch in partnership with Little Portugal Toronto BIA. For those in the city’s west end, another mural has been created at the Portuguese Cultural Center of Mississauga at 53 Queen St N.

1212 Dundas St. W

1212 Dundas St. W

by | Jan 31, 2023 | artwork

1212 Dundas St. W
Barcelos Rooster

With much love and great fanfare, the Little Portugal Toronto Barcelos Rooster was unveiled at Lakeview Park, on Saturday, September 25, 2021.

A VIP event was held at 1200 Dundas St. W. where honoured dignitaries Mayor John Tory, Deputy Mayor Ana Bailão, José Manuel Carneiro Mendes, Consul General of Portugal in Toronto, Vitor Santos, President of The Barcelos Migrant Association, the Honorable Ahmed Hussen, MP – York South-Weston and our own BIA Chair, AnaBela Taborda, brought greetings.  Portuguese community members joined in for a celebratory glass of Portuguese port wine, and enjoyed special entertainment by Rancho de Barcelos, Portuguese-Canadian singer/songwriter Vicky Rai and Portuguese music DJ selections.  Many thanks to the Rooster Committee, the Deputy Mayor’s office, StreetART Toronto, Toronto Police Services (for the street escort), BIA business members and many volunteers who helped out, leading up to, and on this happy and much-anticipated occasion.

Local artist, Julia Prajza explained that her winning design for the permanent 9’ statue was based on the themes of new beginnings, hope and optimism.  The Rooster truly does honour the rich culture of the Portuguese people, and in Julia’s words, she skillfully “….created this modern-meets-traditional design.“ We invite everyone to stop by, take a selfie and post, and spread the word about our very own Rooster of Barcelos.

Artwork Information
  • Title: Barcelos Rooster
  • Creation Date: 2021
  • Address: 1212 Dundas St. W
  • Artist: Julia Prajza

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Julia Prajza

Julia Prajza is a Muralist, Lettering Artist, and Designer based in Toronto. As  an OCAD University graduate, with experience as an Art Director and Graphic  Designer, she has now returned to her first love: the art of drawing and  painting. Bringing her design expertise and graphic style to her work, Julia often  focuses on text-based imagery. Creating intrigue with ornate details, vibrant  colours, and a whimsical style, she aims to bring more joy and positivity into our  everyday lives. With her lively spirit, Julia is emerging into the public and  community-engaged art world because she strongly believes in the power of art  and its ability to help improve our mental health and cultivate human  connection.

“So for my design, this was originally based on the theme of ‘new beginnings, hope, and optimism’, and I wanted to create something that would truly honour the rich culture of the Portuguese people. And so I created this modern-meets-traditional design. I used these really vibrant colours that would celebrate the energy of the Rooster itself, in order to emanate from the sculpture for locals and visitors alike.

“On the shape of the Rooster itself, I created these bold, organic, playful pieces that would fit together like illuminated stained glass work. The patterns that live within these shapes, they’re kind of my abstract interpretation of Portuguese folk art embroidery, with a whimsical twist in there. Also inspired by my travels to Portugal in 2013, I’ve used these contrasting colours of yellows and blues that dance together in a lovely harmony, representing the everlasting sunshine and sparkling blue waters of the landscape.

And with these details, I kind of hope that people will appreciate them the closer they come to look at the sculpture and act as hidden gems for people to discover that makes public art so exciting. And I hope to bring this playful, positive representation of Little Portugal to life and really reflect on the importance of the Rooster.” – Julia Prajza