Art Nest: a home for public art explorations

We are resuming our newsletter series by shining the spotlight on participating artists in our successful Art Nest project. Julia Campisi, Sofia Escobar, Kal Mansur, Rod Mireau, Aline Setton and Erin Vincent were invited by curator Rui Pimenta to create their (first) public artwork for TOAF61 this past July. The results were sophisticated, intriguing and engaging works that delighted the visitors and encouraged the artists to expand their practice and learn about the nuances of showcasing works that were suited for an outdoor environment and large audiences. Below, see the works in context, and hear from the artists about their experiences and what is coming up next for them. 

The great news is that we plan to continue the Art Nest project in 2023. We think TOAF is the perfect environment for gaining the experience and audience exposure emerging artists need on their journey to prepare for future public art competitions and commissions. The Art Nest Call for proposals is open until January 16th (see below for more details).  

And… we are bringing our audience-favourite Curated Collections back with new monthly collections and throw-backs to continue bringing different entry points to exploring the works of TOAF61 artists. 

October’s collection pays homage to the intricate natural beauty around us. This collection aptly titled “Earthly Connections” is put together through the lens of artist Crystalynn Tarr who herself creates lovely watercolour paintings with paints that she makes from foraging the soils and earth around her! 

We hope her collection inspires you to invite some new works into your spaces. 

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Monthly Curated Collections

Earthly Connections
Curated by Crystalynn Tarr

View Earthly Connections 

 

Hard and Soft Materials
Curated by Amanda McCavour

View Hard and Soft Materials  

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Art Nest at TOAF61 

Julia Campisi

Art Nest allowed me to create my largest sculpture to date with funding and grants from the Toronto Arts Council & Ontario Arts Council (exhibition assistance). I have been focusing on creating more work that responds to the scaffolding and how our bodies move around temporary structures in urban spaces. I will be showing one of my pieces at Art Toronto which is coming up this month! You can follow me on Instagram @juliacampisi and find my work on juliacampisi.com.

 

Sofia Escobar

I had a very wonderful experience at art nest. As an artist working in Installation, it was really great to be able to express my work on a larger scale, where the confinement of a tent was not a limitation. I was really drawn by the rich history and architecture of Nathan Phillips square, which was the basis of my research. Rui Pimenta, who carefully curated the project, was a great help throughout the process from start to finish. During the duration of the project, we got to share our work with the public and experience being part of a wonderful community of artists that TOAF has forged over the years. I am currently planning a couple of projects for next year, one of them is an art residency abroad. Follow me on Instagram @sofiaelenii or sofiaescobar.net.

 

Kal Mansur

It was productive to be part of a curated exhibition of outdoor artworks. Art Nest pushed my boundaries as an artist, as I had to create robust large-scale outdoor public artwork.  

My work is regularly exhibited at Myta Sayo Gallery in downtown Toronto and will be part of the gallery's booth at Art Toronto this month. I recently completed a large-scale commission for a hotel in Manhattan. My work was a part of the Casey House Art with Heart auction held at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Myta Sayo Gallery will be exhibiting my new paintings from the end of October to December 2022. You can follow me on Instagram @kalmansurstudio or find my work on kalmansur.com/catalog.

 

Rod Mireau

It was interesting to take part in the artist talk on the final day. I enjoyed hearing about the process and the project development from the other artists. I'm currently developing new work for gallery shows next year and beyond, dates have yet to be confirmed. You can follow me on Instagram @rod_mireau or Rodmireau.com.

 

Aline Setton

 

Art Nest at TOAF61 gave me the opportunity to expand my creative practice and merge many fields of interest into one work. The sculpture created for the show is in direct dialogue with architecture, urban infrastructure and everyday objects. 

Following Art Nest, I was invited to exhibit the work at other events, such as the Geary Art Crawl, where I was able to experiment with different configurations of the original sculpture to allow for public interaction. It has been a great experience to test the possibilities of this project.  

I have recently completed a large scale public mural in downtown with the support of StreetARToronto. I invite the public to go see the work located at the laneway behind 451 Adelaide St. W. I am currently preparing a new series of works for an upcoming solo exhibition opening on November 18th at Arterial Toronto. You can follow me on Instagram @alinesetton or find my work on alinesetton.com.

 

Erin Vincent

 

Participating in the Art Nest was a fantastic experience and opportunity.  I had been wanting to shift my practice by incorporating more public art projects and this was the perfect platform. By bringing art to the public in a non-traditional setting it allowed me to witness a more diverse audience interacting with my piece.  

I am currently making another piece from my Protect The Strong series, it will be a covered rock on the shore of Lake Huron – details and images to be on my website soon. I also have a solo exhibition at Christie Contemporary in Toronto, opening on November 25th, 2022. You can follow me on Instagram @erinvincentart or erinvincent.ca.

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Art Nest Call for Proposals

Deadline: January 16th, 2023 @ 5 PM EST
Event Date: July 2023, Nathan Phillips Square

TOAF is seeking proposals for installation, sculpture, new media and performance art that are appropriate for an outdoor setting and related weather conditions. The works will be showcased at Nathan Phillips Square during the 62nd edition of the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair.

How to apply to Art Nest