Let Us Not Forget About the Little People
A STEPS PROJECT
In this striking PATCH Construction Hoarding Exhibit, in collaboration with Multiplex, Nyle Johnston drew on his history and community to create a unique experience for those venturing near Toronto’s Harbourfront neighbourhood.
PROJECT AT A GLANCE
Location: 350 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5V 3A7
Artist: Nyle Johnston
Year: 2022
Photographer/Videographer: Mila Bright Zlatanovic
Services: PATCH Construction Hoarding Exhibits
1
Artist
3
Works of Art
1867
Sq ft. of artwork
ABOUT THIS HOARDING EXHIBIT
“In a time of reconciliation, it is important for all people to know that we exist and have such a strong, beautiful legacy of stories and teachings from the Anishinaabe Nation that are grounded in my experience and identity.”
– Nyle Johnston, Artist
This body of work, Let Us Not Forget About the Little People, not only references the children of his community who belong to The Chippewas of Nawash First Nations but also makes reference to the youth within the broader Canadian community. The visual narrative is a reminder of our obligation to protect and steward the beautiful territories we call home so that future generations can thrive.
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
Nyle Johnston
Lead Artist
A painter, muralist, sculptor, traditional storyteller, and traditional helper, Nyle Johnston uses his gift of storytelling to connect his peoples’ stories of love and healing with the broader world and offer support to a range of community organizations. Johnston is an established and recognized Indigenous Contemporary Artist with an acclaimed and established portfolio of work that has been exhibited at The AGO, The ROM, Evergreen Brickworks, the University of Toronto and in private and public collections. Johnston is represented by Highness Global Inc.
ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT
The Quay is a non-typical infill development that will see a 20-storey purpose-built rental tower built in between two existing, fully leased and operational rental apartment buildings. The demolition of the existing 3-storey podium connected to the 21-storey rental towers will make way for the new tower, which will then tie into the existing towers at 350 and 390 Queens Quay. An extension to the tower at 350 Queens Quay will bring a significant improvement to the public realm. The complexity of this development is not isolated to working in close proximity to fully operational apartment residences but also having the project site confined in between the directly adjacent Gardiner Expressway and the Peter Street Basin – an inlet for Lake Ontario.
PROJECT PARTNERS
Multiplex is a leading global contractor that has been shaping skylines and creating thriving places around the world for 60 years. With over 1,100 projects completed globally, Multiplex has an unrivalled depth of experience in design, development and construction across all sectors and asset classes.
Category 5 is Canada’s first fully digital, full service Large Format Printer. Established in 2006 we collaborate, print, kit, ship and install big, awesome projects for iconic brands and agencies in outdoor, transit and retail.
Highness Global Inc. is purposefully designed to continually expand the universe of opportunities for its roster of talent (the Highness Embassy) while simultaneously working to dismantle systemic barriers, restrictive relationships and traditional power imbalances in the Contemporary Art world.
PATCH (Public Art Through Construction Hoarding) Exhibits are the industry gold standard for connecting developers, builders and marketing firms with artists to help you meet public art requirements for your construction site. STEPS’ superior project management skills make this turnkey process easy for you by curating a shortlist of artists, facilitating city approval of exhibit plans, producing the exhibit, as well as, amplifying your city-building story through documenting and promoting the exhibit.
Ready to get your project started with STEPS?