Oxford Properties Group unveiled a $2 million public art installation weighing more than 2.5 tonnes, and scaling over three stories high at The Terrace at Oxford’s Richmond-Adelaide Centre.
Designed by Spanish artist, Jaume Plensa, Dreaming is a cast stone portrait constructed of white marble and resin, installed on top of a base that will serve as a public bench. The portrait of a young girl with her eyes closed in quiet contemplation was created with the intention of passersby looking inward. Plensa’s vision is for the art to act as a metaphor for humanity’s dreams for the future and for a shared human experience.
“We are invested in Toronto’s urban landscape and in creating a magnetic destination that inspires people,” said Eric Plesman, Oxford Properties’ Executive Vice President for North America. “The Dreaming installation is a landmark sculpture that will attract visitors from the immediate community and broader audiences to a public plaza that will support the vitality of downtown Toronto and our ongoing evolution as a world class city.
Dreaming, marks the culmination of the $650 million, multi-year and multi-building revitalization initiative by Oxford Properties at Richmond-Adelaide Centre. The revitalization comprises the recently completed restoration and redevelopment of the heritage-listed 85 Richmond Street, the recladding of 120 and 130 Adelaide Street, the restoration of 111 Richmond Street, and the addition of the 100 Adelaide Street tower to Toronto skyline in 2017.
Other notable public art located in the immediate buildings include a preserved mosaic by Group of Seven member J.E.H MacDonald found in the entranceway to 100 Adelaide Street. Oxford Properties has also made a self-directed Toronto Financial District art walk guide available to help the public engage with the many outdoor landmark sculptures and paintings throughout the area.
“This is a crucial time to bring inspiring outdoor spaces that encourage connection between urban development, art and the community. After months of staying at home, Dreaming will be there to welcome back workers, residents and visitors as we start to bring back vitality to the downtown core. She gives a message of hope, courage and quiet contemplation at a time of great upheaval in all of our lives.”