Sculpture Unveiled as Part of Queen Street West Streetscape Revitalization Project

Figureground Studio has completed Reflector, a public artwork and permanent landmark sculpture at the corner of Queen Street West and Soho Street in Toronto as part of the Queen Street West Business Improvement Area (QSWBIA) Streetscape Revitalization Project.

The sculpture was unveiled on June 20, 2024, and celebrates the history and energy of one of Toronto’s most iconic streets.

Jyhling Lee, principal of Figureground Studio contributed the piece to the transformation of Queen St West, a stretch of Toronto that has been integral to her life since she was a child. The area is best known for being vibrant, and has a historic association with Much Music, City TV, music venues, and its role as a fashion and shopping destination and overall “hot spot” in the city.

The sculpture, conceived by Lee, aims to embody the essence of Queen St West’s “ever-evolving character and energy.”

It features mirror stainless steel faceted form and kaleidoscopic visual effects which interact with the surrounding environment, and reflect both the site’s changing qualities as well as the individuals who engage with it.

Lee’s design was inspired by paper folding and origami, an art form that has influenced many of her public sculptures. Reflector builds on Lee’s previous works, such as Model Home in Regent Park, Toronto and Origami Goose in Waterloo, Ontario.

Originally created as a more enclosed origami bowl, the sculpture has been opened up towards Queen St West, and invites visitors into its interior and encourages interaction within and around the structure.

Reflector was commissioned by the QSWBIA and the City of Toronto and completed as part of the larger QSWBIA Streetscape Revitalization Project, led by the PMA Landscape Architects consultant team.

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