“Love Me Till I’m Me Again” by Thrush Holmes
???? by TH @thrush_holmes
This was on the evening news on the weekend.. so I gotta post it now !
Some background first.. Galleria Mall was a strip mall that was opened in 1972. It had seen better days. Someone even put a photo book out called “Galleria: The Mall That Time Forgot“.
I never have been inside to be honest and now they are tearing it down for another development that will take several years to build.
I’ve been by here a couple of times last month. People have been taking lots of pictures of this every time I go by. I got asked for change while I was taking photos and another time someone asked me what time the bus was coming. (No and I do not know..)
The developers had an artist reimagine this sign while the Mall goes through a transformation. It’s pretty cool from different angles. As you can see it says.. “Love Me Till I’m Me Again” ???? Check out his IG.. he uses neon in a lot of his work.. !
ELAD Canada, which purchased the property in 2016, has now started the process of turning Galleria into a mixed-use mega development called “Galleria on the Park.”
To celebrate the first phase of what’s expected to become one of Toronto’s largest master-planned communities, the firm tapped local artist Thrush Holmes to design some public art.
BlogTo
There is a photo that Thrush Holmes posted on Instagram in his studio. It’s interesting to see that way he incorporates neon into his work.
“This piece pays homage to the Dupont West neighbourhood,” said Holmes. “I’ve passed by this pylon sign countless times, so having the opportunity to contribute to my community’s transformation through art is truly special.”
Thrush Holmes
The artist has some better photos of this on his website
I found this information online:
The artwork was commissioned by developer ELAD Canada to animate Toronto’s West End and serve as a temporary centrepiece for the site. Best known for his bold style, Holmes’ mixed-media piece features distinct components including: an illuminated Galleria sign, vibrant neon bars, and Holmes’ signature neon artwork, including a Love me Till I’m Me Again sign and a massive red heart that shines atop the pylon. Splashes of bright green, red, blue and yellow paint add a playful element throughout.
BUILDING
This has since been demolished to make way for the new condo development that is under construction. It was always meant to be temporary. That is really what street art is temporary. Especially, in Toronto where construction is always happening. A lot of times artwork appears to cover up the ongoing work. Although, it is good exposure for the artist – its sad sometimes to see the artwork disappear literally overnight.
