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A colourful mural on a sidewalk wall with cranes in the background and a woman standing in front of the mural.

Colourful Paths

This vibrant public art exhibit by artist Yasaman Mehrsa in St. James Town encourages the public to explore and understand Toronto’s history and diverse heritage through artistic expression.

A colourful mural on a sidewalk wall with a large purple panel with written paragraphs.
Colourful Paths mural by Yasaman Mehrsa, St. James Town, 2023. Image by Mila Bright Zlatanovic. Courtesy of STEPS Public Art.

Colourful Paths mural by Yasaman Mehrsa, St. James Town, 2023. Image by Mila Bright Zlatanovic. Courtesy of STEPS Public Art.

A colourful mural on a sidewalk wall with a streetcar, eyes, and abstract shapes.
Colourful Paths mural by Yasaman Mehrsa, St. James Town, 2023. Image by Mila Bright Zlatanovic. Courtesy of STEPS Public Art.

Colourful Paths mural by Yasaman Mehrsa, St. James Town, 2023. Image by Mila Bright Zlatanovic. Courtesy of STEPS Public Art.

A colourful mural on a sidewalk wall with a large purple panel with written paragraphs.
Colourful Paths mural by Yasaman Mehrsa, St. James Town, 2023. Image by Mila Bright Zlatanovic. Courtesy of STEPS Public Art.

Colourful Paths mural by Yasaman Mehrsa, St. James Town, 2023. Image by Mila Bright Zlatanovic. Courtesy of STEPS Public Art.

Project Lead: Liza Mishko, Public Art Coordinator, STEPS Public Art

Artist: Yasaman Mehrsa

Project Website 

Date of Release: October 13, 2023

“Colourful Paths” by artist Yasaman Mehrsa is a vibrant public art exhibit in Toronto’s St. James Town, produced in collaboration with STEPS Public Art and Concert Properties. Inspired by the daily life and rich diversity of St. James Town, the artwork employs symbols and motifs that intricately weave together narratives from the community. Its vivid design celebrates the area’s cultural vibrancy through a palette and style that reflect the neighborhood’s multicultural essence.

This temporary installation exemplifies a strong relationship to Toronto’s cultural heritage by embedding local stories and experiences into its artistic expression. The symbols and motifs used draw from a mosaic of cultural influences, effectively illustrating the interconnected pathways of daily life within the community. By doing so, “Colourful Paths” not only animates a construction site but also enriches Toronto’s built environment with narratives that resonate deeply with its residents.

As a public education initiative, “Colourful Paths” engages with passersby, providing them with a visual framework to explore and understand the community’s history and cultural fabric. By transforming a construction site into an accessible outdoor exhibit, the project creates a welcoming space that invites public interaction and reflection. It serves as an educational tool that not only preserves the arts and culture of St. James Town but also promotes dialogue on city building and community identity.

Additional Project Members: 

STEPS Public Art
Concert Properties

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