1335 Dundas St. W

1335 Dundas St. W
Eastern Cotton Tail

In the heart of Toronto’s vibrant art scene, an extraordinary installation has captured the attention of locals and visitors alike. Bordalo II, the renowned Portuguese artist celebrated for his innovative approach to recycling and environmental consciousness, has brought his captivating artwork to Dundas Street West.

The “Eastern Cotton Tail” installation is not only a testament to his artistic prowess but also a powerful statement about our relationship with waste and nature. In this blog post, we delve into the story behind this remarkable creation and its significance in the realm of modern art and environmental activism.

The “Eastern Cotton Tail” installation in Dundas St W stands as a testament to Bordalo II’s commitment to creating beauty from waste. This lifelike sculpture of a rabbit, native to the region, is crafted entirely from materials that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. The artist collected salvaged items such as car parts, scrap metal, and discarded plastic to construct this intricate piece. With meticulous attention to detail, the rabbit’s form emerges, showcasing the artist’s ability to transform ordinary materials into something extraordinary.

Beyond its aesthetic allure, the “Eastern Cotton Tail” installation carries a profound message. The rabbit, an emblem of wildlife and biodiversity, serves as a symbol of nature’s resilience in the face of human activity. The juxtaposition of discarded materials forming a creature of the wild prompts viewers to contemplate the impact of consumerism and waste on our environment. It’s a reminder that our choices have consequences, and the delicate balance of ecosystems is in our hands.

Bordalo II’s installation goes beyond its physical presence; it has become a catalyst for community engagement and environmental awareness. The artwork has drawn crowds of curious spectators and sparked conversations about sustainability, recycling, and the importance of preserving our planet. Art has the power to connect people emotionally with complex issues, and the “Eastern Cotton Tail” installation does just that. It encourages viewers to reconsider their relationship with waste, fostering a sense of responsibility for the environment.

Bordalo II’s “Eastern Cotton Tail” installation in Dundas St W, Toronto, stands as a powerful reminder of art’s potential to address pressing environmental issues. Through his creative genius, the artist transforms discarded materials into captivating sculptures that challenge our perception of waste and beauty. As visitors admire the intricate details of the Eastern Cotton Tail, they are also encouraged to reflect on their own role in creating a sustainable future. This installation not only embellishes Toronto’s artistic landscape but also leaves an indelible mark on our collective consciousness, urging us to tread more lightly on the Earth and embrace the transformative power of art.

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

ABOUT THE ARTIST


Bordalo II

Art has the incredible power to provoke thought, stir emotions, and spark conversations. Art that transcends traditional boundaries and brings pressing issues to the forefront holds an even greater significance. Bordalo II, born Artur Bordalo, is an artist who has mastered this art of blending creativity with activism. His unique approach involves creating intricate sculptures using discarded materials, particularly those that are associated with pollution and environmental degradation. By repurposing these materials into stunning installations, Bordalo II brings attention to the urgent need for sustainable practices and conscious consumerism.

1628 Dundas St. W

1628 Dundas St. W

1628 Dundas St. W
Scratching The Surface

This “Scratching the Surface” mural, celebrating the Portuguese ladies of the “Cleaners Action movement” of the 1970’s and 1980’s, is the work of esteemed international artist Alexandre Farto, AKA VHILS. The mural captures the Portuguese spirit, culture and deep appreciation of art.

Honoured dignitaries Consul General of Portugal, Jose Manuel Carneiro Mendes, Mrs. Rita Sousa Tavares Cultural Attaché to the Portuguese Embassy in Ottawa, Julie Dzerowicz, our Member of Parliament for Davenport, Member of Provincial Parliament for Davenport, Marit Stiles, Deputy Mayor and City Councillor for Ward 9 Davenport Ana Bailão, Ms. Andria Babbington, President of the Toronto & York Region Labour Council, and our own BIA Chair, AnaBela Taborda were on hand to bring greetings. Also on hand were Professors Gilberto Fernandes and Susana Miranda for their historical invaluable insights and guidance during the project, and Ms. Marcie Ponte for helping us to understand the movement and for donating the plaque you can see at the entrance of the mural.

Everyone was thrilled to be introduced to VHILS’ inspiration for his mural, Mrs. Idalina Azevedo (pictured at the ribbon cutting, below), a proud Portuguese woman involved in the Cleaners’ Action movement, associated with St. Christopher House, and a leader in a “wildcat” strike at the TD Towers in 1974, which brought about employment changes for the cleaners. For non-English speaking immigrant cleaning women, this was a major achievement and important event in Toronto’s labor history.

The BIA is extremely proud, thankful and touched by the members of our community and those abroad who came to our aid to make this art piece possible:

João Mendonça Cruz, Ionut Clipacs (Russo), Ricardo Piedade, Luis Soares, Luis Lobato, Ricardo Toga, (Vihls’ crew) building owners Victor and Marina Tavares, Carlos Canejo of Independent Build & Design, Jack Oliveira, Cesar Rodrigues, Armindo Correia, Benito Tavares, Shaun Bowring, Arlindo Beca, Danny Lopes, Fausto Gaudio, José Nieves, Pastor Rui Nunes, The owners of Swan Dive

Artwork Information
  • Title: Scratching The Surface
  • Creation Date: 2021
  • Address: 1628 Dundas St. W
  • Artist: Vhils

ABOUT THE ARTIST


VHILS

The acclaimed artist Vhils has created his first mural in Toronto, telling the story of a former Portuguese cleaning lady involved in the Cleaners’ Action movement that took place in the 1970’s.

Cities have the raw materials and inspiration for Alexandre Farto (b. 1987), the acclaimed Portuguese artist known as Vhils, who made giant faces appear on urban facades, during the last decade all over the world. They are dug out in a dissection process meant to “reveal the insides” of these great cities. He has been interacting visually with the urban environment since his days as a prolific graffiti writer in the early-to-mid 2000s, until he realized that he was just “adding one layer over many others that have covered the walls over the years.”

His work developed an ongoing reflection on contemporary urban societies and the complexity of the modern city. The artist uses subtractive methods of carving, cutting, drilling, and even blasting through with explosives, in a “creative destruction” process. This groundbreaking bas-relief carving technique – which forms the basis of the Scratching the Surface project. It was first presented to the public at the VSP group exhibition in Lisbon in 2007 and at the Cans Festival in London the following year. It has been hailed as one of the most compelling approaches to art created in the streets in the last decade.

Vhils’ work, showcased around the world in both indoor and outdoor settings, has been described as brutal and complex, yet imbued with a simplicity that speaks to the core of human emotions. His work is an ongoing reflection on identity, on life in contemporary urban societies and their saturated environments. It speaks of effacement but also of resistance, of destruction yet also of beauty in this overwhelming setting, exploring the connections and contrasts, similarities and differences, between global and local realities.

His first project in Toronto, ‘Cleaners’ Action’ movement reflects another case of human resistance, and a tribute to the Portuguese immigrant women who worked as janitorial workers in the high-rise office towers downtown and at the Queen’s Park Legislative Buildings in the 1970’s. Portuguese “cleaning ladies” have been a constant presence in the lives of countless Portuguese-Canadians as mothers, wives, breadwinners, community members, and activists. Torontonians, in general, are familiar with them, though mostly as archetypes of Portuguese immigrant women, without knowing much about their lives. Still, these working women, who have played a major role in up-keeping their families, communities as well as the city, remain largely invisible in the story of Toronto.

1087 Dundas St. W

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

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

1220 Dundas St. W

1220 Dundas St. W

1220 Dundas St. W
Dollarama Mural
This mural represents the large community of Portuguese people and businesses that reside within the Little Portugal Area. It also represents a merging of the youth within the community, as graffiti art is considered a relatively new art form created by predominantly youth.
Artwork Information
  • Title: Dollorama Mural
  • Creation Date: 2017
  • Address: 1220 Dundas St. W
  • Artist: SADAR w/ BACON and POSER

ABOUT THE ARTIST


SADAR w/ BACON and POSER
Blaze “SADAR” Wiradharma is an OCADU Graduate with a BDES in Illustration. After living in Singapore for the last two years,  he has returned to Toronto to continue freelancing as a Mural / Graffiti Artist, Illustrator and Graphic Designer. In his early beginnings, his interest in visual communication was sparked by graffiti and street art. These forms influenced him heavily, his style reflecting the vibrant and often bold nature of urban art. This also encouraged the development of letters, calligraphy & characters which are a large part of his work.
Blaze takes inspiration from all facets of his own life experiences, and strives to create imagery which reflects lessons that he has learned along with social commentary. Utilising spray paint and exterior latex to create his exterior and interior work, he believes that large mural artwork in the public sphere has a responsibility to create questions in the viewers mind and encourage critical thinking.

This artwork is proudly hosted by Dollarama1220 Dundas St  West.

Hosts ensure a long life to the artworks by acting as their custodians. If you would like to know more about the Dundas West Open Air Museum hosts program then please contact us at hosts@dundaswest.museum

1375 Dundas St. W

1375 Dundas St. W

1375 Dundas St. W
Dying Ocean

The Essencia Arts Collective believes that art can be a tool for social change and community empowerment. With members from across six continents, Essencia expresses itself from a unique and global perspective. Having over 10 years experience working in diverse communities around the world, the collective has run artistic projects with youth, first nations, refugees, immigrants, prison inmates, galleries, and festivals. Essencia encourages artistic storytelling, and expresses itself through muralism, street art, graffiti, graphic design, photography, video, music, poetry, dance and love!

By focusing on the four elements (Earth, Fire, Water, Air) and the four cardinal directions, Essencia aims to pay homage to Mother Earth, and to encourage balance, unity, and love.

Artwork Information
  • Title: Dying Ocaen
  • Creation Date: 2013
  • Address: 1375 Dundas St. W
  • Artist: Essencia Collective

ABOUT THE ARTIST


Essencia Collective

“We believe that artistic expression is our strongest tool, and that it can be used as a catalyst for expression and as a forum for dialogue. We can then begin to focus on important global and local issues of our societies, and celebrate cultural and artistic diversity.”

essenciartcollective.com/

This artwork is proudly hosted by Mezu Restaurant1375 Dundas St  West.

Hosts ensure a long life to the artworks by acting as their custodians. If you would like to know more about the Dundas West Open Air Museum hosts program then please contact us at hosts@dundaswest.museum