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Massively-scaled public art installation transplants intergalactic creatures into Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood
Out-of-this-world permanent art installation STARGATE lands on both sides of Redpath Avenue
July 8, 2020 (TORONTO) – As passersby meander through the Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood, a new evocative scene of giant colourful aliens emerging from the ground at 150 and 155 Redpath Ave. may stop them in their tracks. The permanent art installation by Toronto-based art collective Blue Republic has landed in the city’s Midtown neighbourhood at the foot of Redpath Condos, developed by Capital Developments and Freed Developments.
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150 Redpath - View of STARGATE facing northwest (Photo: Khristel Stecher)
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Commissioned by the development team, the $1.5-million installation emerges from two portals on both corners of Redpath Ave., appearing to materialize from another world. The blue, yellow and multi-coloured characters emerge from outer space through the surrounding landscape of swirling vortexes.
“Now more than ever, people are looking for something positive, fun and colourful. STARGATE is one of the most distinct, boundary-pushing public art installations in Toronto,” says Amanda Milborne-Ireland, VP of Sales and Marketing, Capital Developments. “Its vibrancy reflects the dynamic energy and diversity already here in the Midtown neighbourhood, and we’re so proud to bring these colourful creatures to the base of our residences. We see STARGATE becoming a lasting landmark for Yonge and Eglinton, and something Torontonians can playfully engage with for years to come.”
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Blue Republic artists Anna Passakas and Radoslaw Kudlinski in front of 150 Redpath (Photo: Khristel Stecher)
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Internationally-renowned and award-winning Blue Republic was founded by Toronto artists Anna Passakas and Radoslaw Kudlinski. They were announced the winner of a national public art competition launched by Freed Developments and Capital Developments in 2016 to enhance the evolving Midtown neighbourhood’s public realm.
“Our inspiration for this piece came from the unique diversity of this city. For some, moving to a new neighbourhood is like moving from one universe to another. So many people bring various experiences and cultures with them from all over the world,” says Radoslaw Kudlinski of Blue Republic. "We are both science fiction fans, and we felt that STARGATE, drawing from this popular genre, could be the glue between these narratives." |
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155 Redpath - View of STARGATE facing northeast (Photo: Khristel Stecher)
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As if frozen in time, the characters appear poised to take over the Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood – whether through battle, dance or otherworldly means. Two main protagonists formed of painted bronze lead the charge, standing guard at the busy corner of Redpath and Roehampton – one being a 14.5-ft., six-legged yellow alien and the other a 12-ft. electric blue trumpet player. The two sculptures stand tall among five smaller aluminum plate cohorts, creating a lively, dramatic scene.
Psychedelic glass murals with swirling graphics serve as a backdrop to the statues as the vortexes from which they arrived. With star-gate in printed glass at the base of each tower, the installation creates an immersive pedestrian experience. |
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150 Redpath - View of STARGATE facing south (Photo: Khristel Stecher)
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“As immigrants, we know first hand what many people coming to Toronto experience. We also realize there is a huge appetite in this city for engaging public artwork and STARGATE is a piece that commands your attention," says Anna Passakas of Blue Republic. "It was designed to set off the architecture of 150 and 155 Redpath Ave., and to personify the energy of the Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood."
Blue Republic has been behind several notable public commissions, including the winning entry of the Peer Gynt International Sculpture Competition in Oslo, site-specific installations at the Pearson International Airport and Brookfield Place commissioned by Luminato and by the Biennial of Urbanism and Architecture in Shenzhen/Hong Kong. STARGATE is Blue Republic’s largest public art project, and their first permanent installation in Toronto. |
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Since launching in 2015, 150 and 155 Redpath Condos are sold out and residents have begun moving into the buildings, now flanked by the colourful sentries. 150 Redpath is a 38-storey residential building while 155 Redpath is a 34-storey residential tower. Altogether, they consist of 981 units. For more information, please visit: redpathcondos.com
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For additional background information and to set up interviews, please contact publicists. For high-res imagery, please click here.
MEDIA CONTACT
kg&a
Lisa Pires
lisa.pires@kga-inc.com
647.238.9511
Samantha Lem
samantha.lem@kga-inc.com
613.983.8365
Capital Developments:
Capital Developments is an industry leading Canadian real estate company with international roots. Co-Founders and Managing Partners Todd Cowan and Jordan Dermer bring 25 years of real estate experience each, working across North America and Europe. Capital Developments has led some of Toronto’s most prolific development projects, leveraging its deep-rooted understanding of architecture and interior design, and its ability to identify prime sites. Priding itself on trust and relationships, Capital Developments has delivered some of Toronto’s top developments, including Art Shoppe Lofts & Condos, Azura Condos, E2 Condos, Bloor & Dufferin, 150 & 155 Redpath, MA Condos, and most recently 11 Yorkville. www.capitaldevelopments.com.
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