The Bloor Annex BIA worked with STEPS and artists Chris Foster and Layne Hinton to develop a series of kinetic sculptures that would add some vibrancy and light to the parkettes on Robert St., Major St., and Brunswick Ave., during the darker winter months, but also to create art that the local community could safely engage during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
Gesturing towards the challenges faced by restaurants in the Annex and the world over during the pandemic, Light Strainers transforms a banal utility object common to kitchens everywhere – the colander. Each sculpture at these three Bloor Street parkettes features a different arrangement of colander columns, through which projected light creates a mesmerizing loop of shifting patterns.
The kinetic light sculptures are located in 3 of the BIA’s parkettes and are ready for visitors starting March 18th until May 31st, 2021. Take a stroll if you are in the area to witness the magic created by the projected light!
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Chris Foster & Layne Hinton are Toronto-based multidisciplinary artists who are partners in life and occasional partners in art. Together they create site-responsive installations that investigate the histories, materials and architectures of the built environment.
Foster received an interdisciplinary BFA from NSCAD University in 2008. He is one half of the artist collective Lake Effect Projects. His artwork has been exhibited across Canada and internationally, including the Art Gallery of Ontario, Ontario Place, YYZ Artists’ Outlet, and Nuit Blanche.
Hinton holds a BFA from OCAD University and has exhibited work locally at the Art Gallery of Ontario, InterAccess, and Pleasure Dome, and abroad at the Hermitage Museum Russia, University of Buffalo SUNY and Mono No Aware NYC. She is also the Co-Director and Co-Curator of Art Spin, an organization that presents site-specific and temporary public art projects in unique spaces.
About STEPS
STEPS creates one-of-a-kind public art plans, installations and engagement strategies that meet public art and placemaking needs, transform spaces into a cultural destination, foster stronger relationships with the community, and showcases the talent of diverse Canadian artists.
STEPS (Sustainable Thinking and Expression on Public Space) has received numerous awards for their high-impact programs, including the inaugural national Culture Days Innovative Event Award; the NXT City Prize, and Imagination Catalyst Best Social Enterprise Award from OCAD University.
Since 2011, they have produced 300+ public art installations, 600+ paid artist opportunities, 1,000+ youth leadership opportunities, and 10,000+ community engagement opportunities