Art fills our lives with colour, stories and emotion, which is why Union is proud to present year-round rotation of public art- including exhibits and pieces throughout the station. Next time you are at Union, take a walk and tour all the amazing pieces on display!
Unionnale, sponsored by TD
Presenting FLUX by Esmond Lee
You say ale, we say alley. Inspired by the streets and alleys of Toronto decked with art, Unionnale is a space envisioned to animate the south corridor of the Union Market with art by local artists. The space was created as a special art “alley” which provides visual storytelling and interest through a fun and creative artistic moment in the heart of Union Station. As part of Union’s continuing contemporary programming, the public art in Unionnale will rotate every two years, with artists chosen through a juried selection process. Unionnale is part of ArtworxTO’s public art initiative.
This piece can be found in the new Union Market on the lower level
All Beings Connected
Presented by Union and the Downie & Wenjack Fund, and sponsored by TD.
This two-part exhibit, by father-son duo August and Luke Swinson, speaks to our personal relationship and dedication to the land and its inhabitants, and the enduring strength of Indigenous peoples.
The first art piece, called All Beings Connected, was created by artist August Swinson. The figure in the center is rooted and is drawing strength from the earth beneath, symbolizing our personal relationship and dedication to the land and its inhabitants.
The second art piece, called The Original Treaties, was created by artist Luke Swinson. It represents the peaceful treaties Anishinaabe people made with the earth, sky and all living beings. Treaties allow us to work together, uphold our commitments and nourish relationships with creation. The hand holding an eagle feather symbolizes our connection to Creator and the enduring strength of our people. All living things, including the life-giving waters come together under Grandmother Moon and Grandfather Sun.
You can find All Beings Connected on display in the Great Hall, and The Original Treaties on display in the Front Street Promenade Vitrine.
Toronto Biennial of Art Exhibit
Located in Union’s West Wing
Nicholas Galanin, Threat Return, 2023. On view at Toronto Union Station as part of the Toronto Biennial of Art, 2024. Courtesy of the artist and Peter Blum Gallery, New York. Photography: Toni Hafkenscheid.
Conceived to resonate with the history and cultural experience of travellers and commuters from all over the GTA, the Toronto Biennale of Art exhibition in Union explores the ways in which two contemporary artists address questions of home and belonging, cultural heritage and knowledge transmission, movement and displacement. Consisting of new commissions and recent works, the exhibition includes work by Nicholas Galanin, and Morris Lum. Their works speak to ideas of memory, migration, land, history, calling attention to shared experiences in the context of Toronto – one of the most diverse populations in Canada and the world.
Art At Blue Bovine
Artwork: Samurai Warriors
Artist: Olivier Bertrand
Olivier Bertrand was born in Marseille in 1975, to a French father and an Asian mother. He became fascinated with drawing, visual arts and, more specifically, origami at a very early age. “As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been captivated by the metamorphosis of a simple sheet of paper which, with a few smart folds, comes to life and sparks emotion.”
After graduating with a Master’s in Economics and completing his studies, he finally chose to move into web design. 15 years on, he took advantage of a period of convalescence to go back to roots, to his first love. Although this time round he’s not folding pieces of paper, his mantra remains the same: and it’s cardboard that he works with a new twist. By assembling bits of cardboard together, he now creates extraordinarily-amazing life-size sculptures. Environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing Art
The Samurai Warriors were specifically created for the Blue Bovine installation reflecting the Japanese influence on the Steak House with the offering of Sushi and Kobe Beef.
Don’t forget to check out the Blue Bovine Bull!
Commissioned by Nadia Di Donato, the imposing Solid Bronze Bull, weighing an impressive 1,560 pounds, was meticulously crafted under Nadia’s vision as a powerful symbol for Blue Bovine. This bull serves not only as a literal representation but also as a profound metaphor, drawing a striking parallel to the iconic Wall Street Bull. It embodies the spirit of both financial hubs, highlighting their inherent similarities while simultaneously emphasizing their stark contrasts.
The Solid Bronze Bull stands as a testament to this duality, inviting onlookers to reflect on the unique characteristics and philosophies that shape each city’s approach to finance and investment. Through this artistic installation, we gain insight into the complexities of global finance, beautifully captured in the juxtaposition of two cities that, despite their proximity in the world economy, embody distinct identities and methodologies.
Art in the TD Credit Card Lounge
TD believes that art and culture play a role in building strong and inclusive communities. Committed to supporting North American art, the TD Bank Group Fine Art Collection has continued to evolve, with a focus on creating dialogues that amplify all voices.
Carefully selected by TD’s Art Curators, the artwork exhibited throughout TD spaces is designed to inspire, engage and challenge our thinking, while providing a unique opportunity to bring people together, and start a new conversation – art is the catalyst for this exchange.
The curatorial vision was inspired by the voice of artists who share a personal connection to landscape and conceptually explore the idea of using a “line” in their work; drawn, photographed, painted or torn. A line can also mark a journey by foot, train, bike or by air – a line can also be imagined or remembered.
The history of Canadian Art reminds us that experience of the landscape was predicated on wonder and beauty. The artists in this exhibit share their own lived experience and personal narrative in response to the land on which we gather and walk. The works in this exhibition help us expand our own associations with landscape as we recollect, contemplate and multiple points of view about the artwork – and placing ourselves in the landscape or drawing the line themselves.
About the TD bank Corporate Art Collection
In 1968, the impetus to acquire a collection of contemporary art was the building of the Toronto-Dominion Centre in 1967. The TD Centre, designed by Mies van der Rohe, provided TD with an exciting and modern building, ideally suited a contemporary art and a modern North American identity. Today, TD focuses on establishing a collection of museum quality contemporary artworks created by a diverse representation of artist across the North American footprint of the bank. In addition to the contemporary Canadian art holdings, The TD Gallery of Inuit Art opened ot the public in 1982 and represents all regions of the Canadian Arctic.
Artwork Currently on Display:
Skai, 2022, Jorian Charlton
MNTU: Entangled I, 2022. Renée Condo
Arviat (Eskimo Point), 2000, Lucy Taseor tutsweetok
