Lanterra Developments commissioned artist Tom Otterness to design a sculpture at the entrance of 18 Yonge Condominiums for its very first public art initiative.

Tom Otterness is famous for his whimsical, almost cartoon figures which are larger than life and sculpted out of bronze. His initial idea for 18 Yonge was to make the sculpture of tourists visiting Toronto, but Lanterra Developments saw the potential for a more heartfelt concept.

The immigrant family is such a classical story of coming into the new world and looking outward towards the future. Toronto was a centre for immigration into Canada, and Mark Mandelbaum’s own in-laws arrived on the shores of Canada after the Holocaust from Hungary.

Here is a behind the scenes look at this creative process.

Next Post »