The large-format mural is part of the City of Toronto’s StreetARToronto Monumental Program and contributes to ongoing revitalization efforts in the neighbourhood.
The new 10-storey mural at 1 St. Clair E., designed by Toronto street artist birdO, is the latest in a series of projects to revitalize the Yonge and St. Clair area. (Photo: Riley Snelling)
Nov. 13, 2019 (TORONTO) – Toronto street artist birdO is adding colour and life to the urban landscape at Yonge and St. Clair with his newest 10-storey mural at 1 St. Clair E. A towering image of a deer is mixed with birdO’s signature surrealist style, playfully referencing the surrounding Deer Park neighbourhood. The mural is part of a new series of commissions through the StreetARToronto Monumental Program and is the latest step in a larger revitalization effort at Yonge and St. Clair being spearheaded by Slate Asset Management.
“I moved to Toronto when I was 18 years old and the first place I landed was at Yonge and St. Clair. It’s a special moment in my career to return to the area and paint the largest mural I’ve ever done,” says birdO, which is the alter-ego of visual artist, Jerry Rugg. “Working with StART and Slate has been a great experience, and I’m thrilled with the opportunity to leave my mark on a neighbourhood that means so much to me.”
Passersby won’t be able to miss the 5,200 sq. ft. mural, which starts on the second floor of 1 St. Clair E. The pixelated design of the mural continues birdO’s tradition of highlighting animals and mixing in playful pops of colour, while playing with perspective to trick the viewer’s eye. birdO has lived in Toronto since moving here 20 years ago and considers himself a proud Torontonian. Although his work has been commissioned around the world, birdO says he loves working in Toronto because it allows him to live with his pieces longer.
“As an artist, I’m not here to inundate you with visual clutter – my intention is to brighten street corners and make you scratch your head,” says birdO.