The Monument to Multiculturalism is located on Front Street outside of Union Station in Toronto.  It was created by Italian artist Francesco Perilli and unveiled in Toronto on July 1st, (Canada Day), 1985.

 

Reading I have done on the sculpture seems to indicate that the original idea of the piece was to show the main figure, along with the birds (doves), attempting to bring together the meridians of the world to symbolize all people being joined as one.  The main figure was intended to represent all “mankind” and was therefore designed to look generic so as not to be identifiable as being from any particular continent or region of the globe.

 

While the monument was intended to be a symbol of harmony, peace and multiculturalism – the coming together of all the people – it has been the source of some controversy over the years, especially as the main figure is male and thus fails to represent more than 50% of the world’s population.

 

When originally unveiled in Toronto, city officials were, anecdotally, not overly impressed with the sculpture and indicated it would only remain in that location outside of Union Station for one year.  30+ years later, it is still in place.

 

Interestingly, this Toronto sculpture is one copy of many of this piece located in different cities around the world.  Again, from the (limited) research I have done, the original plan was to have one on each continent to symbolize a global commitment to multiculturalism.   As far as I have been able to find, copies of this sculpture are currently located in Toronto, Sarajevo, Changchun, Buffalo City (KSA) and San Pedro, California.

 

What do you think of the piece? I’d love to see any shots you have of it! I’d also appreciate hearing what you liked about about this post!

 

COMING SOON:  The second “How To” blog focusing on creating a mirror image using my  Skywalk shot.  If you haven’t read the initial post, please do.

 

Don’t forget to click like and recommend Jonathon C Photography to your friends or someone you know who may find it interesting.

 

Finally, please follow jonathoncphotography.com so you can always be first to hear about all the new content that I post!

Art Birds Canada Francesco Perilli Globe Harmony Jon Chodarcewicz Jonathon C Photography Jonathon Chodarcewicz Mankind Multiculturalism Peace Photography Sculpture Toronto TTC Union Station