Toronto: A sculpture by internationally-renowned contemporary artist, Brian Jungen, an artist of European and Indigenous heritage (dane-zaa) was unveiled on Monday outside the Art Gallery of Ontario in downtown Toronto.
At five and a half metres long and four metres tall, Couch Monster: Sadzěʔ yaaghęhch’ill (2022) is a prominent addition to Toronto’s streetscape. The sculpture is accompanied by seating and green space making it accessible to visitors of all abilities. Interpretive material located near the sculpture will be available in French, English, and Aanishinaabemowin. In the coming months, additional interpretive material accessible to visually and hearing impaired communities will be available online at ago.ca. Jungen’s extensive artistic practice engages both Indigenous materials and traditions as well as Western art history and popular culture.
The Government of Canada announced an investment of nearly $585,000, through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), for the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) to enhance its outdoor public space and welcome new visitors. the investment supported the creation and installation of the sculpure
Helena Jaczek, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), made the announcement.
The Government said it recognized the importance of investing in inclusive community sites that connect people across diverse backgrounds and support the lasting contributions these sites make to society and economy.
The announcement reinforces the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting diverse and inclusive community projects that are integral to the overall well-being of our peoples, families and communities.
Helena Jaczek said; “This investment in the Art Gallery of Ontario demonstrates the Government’s commitment to revitalize public spaces that are the heart of our communities. This Canada Community Revitalization Fund investment will not only provide a gathering space for all Canadians, but it will also promote cultural contributions made by our artists.”
Stephan Jost, Michael and Sonja Koerner Director, and CEO of the Art Gallery of Ontario, said: “Monumental public art has made Dundas and McCaul a Canadian landmark, and Brian Jungen’s ambitious new work reaffirms this intersection in the international art world. Brian has created a work that is truly of this place, that will shape this environment for years to come. Thank you to our partners at the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario for helping make this important project a reality.”
• Located in Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America, attracting approximately one million visitors annually. The AGO Collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranges from cutting-edge contemporary art to significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists and European masterpieces.
• For more than two decades, award-winning European and Indigenous (dane-zaa) artist Brian Jungen has been lauded for his ability to transform everyday commercial products into a range of sculptures and installations.
• With an investment of $500 million over two years, the Canada Community Revitalization Fund supports projects that build new community infrastructure and revitalize assets, bring people back to public spaces safely and stimulate local economies. This includes $139 million for projects in southern Ontario, delivered by FedDev Ontario.
• Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $520 million in more than 600 projects in the Toronto Region creating over 25,000 jobs and maintaining over 33,000 jobs.
The Couch Monster sculpture was commissioned, with funds from Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts’ New Chapter program, The Renette and David Berman Family Foundation, Charles Brindamour & Josée Letarte, Bob Dorrance & Gail Drummond, Angela & David Feldman, Hal Jackman Foundation, Phil Lind & Ellen Roland, T. R. Meighen Family Foundation, Partners in Art, Paul & Jan Sabourin, an anonymous donor, and with funds by exchange from Morey and Jennifer Chaplick.