ST LAWRENCE MARKET MURAL

ARTISTIC STATEMENT BY LEAD ARTIST,  JIEUN KIM:

This mural at St. Lawrence Market is deeply significant to me, celebrating the diversity and community I cherish. Working with enthusiastic youths to bring this vision to life was incredibly rewarding. Together, we crafted a design that embodies the market's cultural richness and unity. Leading the young students, I encouraged a collaborative environment, celebrating their voices and ideas. Engaging the youth in such projects empowers them, fostering pride in their heritage and teaching teamwork and leadership. I believe this mural will transform the community and youths by showcasing our diversity and inspiring them to recognize their potential. As an artist, this project reaffirmed my commitment to uplifting diverse voices within our community.

ARTISTIC STATEMENT BY YOUTHS: 

Toronto, being the fast-growing city it is, features shiny new buildings rising alongside everlasting historical structures. The St. Lawrence Market specifically is an iconic example of a place that withheld its significance in a city of gentrification. The Market is a microcosm of our city’s diversity and with this mural, titled "Our Protector”, our intent is to celebrate the diversity of this beautiful landmark.

Stepping into the Market feels as though a different world of unique decor, food, people, and music has been entered. With fantasy, we tried to recreate the magical universe that is the Market. Every part of the mural was thoughtfully designed with hopes to encompass all that holds meaning and relevance.

In our mural, the mermaids represent diversity; they come from different places and cultures, yet they all meet in a place where they share food and company. Each mermaid has a different musical instrument, and together they play music harmoniously, and, like food, it feeds our souls.

The stalls represent not only the diversity of food but also shelter for friendship, family, and community. They also represent all the small businesses the market has supported over time. It’s a place of trade, exchange, and shared moments. The flowers in full bloom symbolize joy and life and the river represents the land we share. The dragon, with its strong energy and powers, keeps a protective eye on our community, as well as being a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, bestowing blessings upon all who call this area home.

Being treated equally is important to us, and that’s something we wanted to highlight in this mural. Everyone is welcome, regardless of abilities, ethnicity, age, or economic status. It is through socialization and inclusivity that new people can be met, new things can be learnt, and our everlasting journey of growth continues.

The Market is far beyond just a stop along the way; It is a place to gather, to remember, and to feel the livelihood of human connection that every being craves. It is truly an honour to add a piece of ourselves onto a location of great history, and we hope what this mural stands for—its vibrancy and uniqueness—will welcome more people to visit the St. Lawrence Market.