The Unfinished Arch: A piece of art coming to Sherbourne Common

Montreal-based electronic artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer has been selected to install a new permanent artwork on Sherbourne Common following an international call for proposals. “The Unfinished Arch” is the first permanent public art commission in Canada by renowned Mexican Canadian Lozano-Hemmer. His large-scale interactive installations combine architecture and performance art. It uses an innovative material palette that extends to electronics such as heart rate sensors, speakers, LEDs and robotics. This latest addition to Waterfront Toronto's public art program seeks to strengthen Toronto as a place for innovative and community-enhancing artwork.

Raphael Lozano-Hemmer's “The Unfinished Arch” looking south over Lake Ontario. Image courtesy of Waterfront Toronto.

Lozano-Hemmer's 9-meter section is an incomplete arch that spans the south lawn of Sherbourne Common. One end of the arch hangs in the air. The painting invites visitors to push up against the shifting edge of a large, cantilevered arch in an attempt to support its weight. Once contact is established, the sensors illuminate an arc until the participant removes their hands.

“The unfinished arch alludes to the familiar paraboloid shape found in many mid-century modern arches, and its whimsical, truncated nature lends itself to civil engagement: visitors may want to 'finish' the arch by reaching out to bury it,” it says. Lozano-Hemmer. “The design was designed with accessibility in mind: visitors of all heights can reach the hanging end of the arch, while tactile paving tiles and a voice locator help guide the visually impaired.”

An illustration of “The Unfinished Arch” by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. Image courtesy of Waterfront Toronto.

Waterfront Toronto's public art program aims to revitalize the waterfront, enhance Toronto's cultural vibrancy and help build whole communities. Chris Gleisek, director of planning and design at Waterfront Toronto, believes the “Unfinished Arch” will become a focal point in the East Bayfront neighborhood, complementing existing artworks including “Light Showers” on Common North in Sherburne and “Keeper of Light” in Aitken. Park location. The new creation will become a landmark, a hub for visitors and residents, helping to establish Toronto's waterfront as a leading arts and culture destination. “Accommodation is an important aspect of what we need to focus on as we build complete communities, as we invite new neighbors to a part of the city that is being built,” said Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, Ward Councillor. 10.

The Unfinished Arch is being built in Toronto by Eventscape and is expected to be completed in 2025.

Founded in 2003, Atelier Lozano-Hemmer creates media art that uses technology to connect people and transform public spaces. The 26-person team at the studio includes architects, programmers, artists, scientists, writers, designers and musicians. non-commercial. Lozano-Hemmer describes her artworks as “often incomplete and out-of-control creations, because of their participation, (and) the public is an integral part of the artwork”.

A longer video linked here explores the artwork's inspiration and introduces its creator, how it fits into the larger East Bayfront Public Art Master Plan, and the importance of public art in building whole communities.

UrbanToronto will continue to monitor progress on this development, but in the meantime you can learn more about it in our Database file linked below. If you like, you can join the conversation in the related project forum or leave a comment in the space provided on this page.

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