City of London unveils SITELINE artwork and plaque

On Friday, October 15th, 2021, the City celebrated a new public art piece unveiled downtown. SITELINES is a sculptural canopy created by artist Jyhling Lee, and will be a new landmark inspired by the city’s nickname “Forest City”.

The sculpture embodies a vision of the forest treeline, the city skyline, and the soaring spires found in the area’s heritage architecture, trees and plants. It is an art installation that provides viewers with the opportunity to interpret natural and urban surroundings in imaginative ways.

The artwork was funded by Tricar Developments Inc. and installed on public property outside their Azure Condominiums at 505 Talbot Street. This new artwork is owned and will be maintained by the City of London.

“SITELINES is an excellent example of how public/private partnerships are helping to place public art throughout London,” says Mayor Ed Holder. “This art also contributes creatively to the ongoing revitalization of London’s Core Area and is a superb addition to the City’s public art collection.”

“At Tricar, we are committed to improving and fostering healthy communities on economic, cultural and environmental levels. We strive to enhance the quality of the public realm, promote active lifestyles and develop community pride and a sense of belonging,” says Jen Grozelle, manager of marketing and media at Tricar Developments Inc. “This public art project has been an exciting journey – from the initial artist jury selection process through to see the final sculpture beautifully displayed. This sculpture inspires cultural expression on our streets, enhances the quality of life for Azure homeowners and beautifies the neighbourhood.”

SITELINES is located near the southeast corner of Talbot Street and Dufferin Avenue at the widened sidewalk and offers pedestrians a shady public area to experience this art while underneath the canopy.

SITELINES was created by a professional artist, architect and educator Jyhling Lee, who has been involved in awide range of public art projects across Canada and has been recognized nationally through awards and publications. Lee grew up in Ingersoll, Ontario, and her family has spent the past 20 years in London, operating a food business at the Covent Garden Market for much of their time in the Forest City.

Lee was selected through the City’s Public Art Program process administered by the London Arts Council. For over a decade, the London Arts Council has partnered with the City of London’s Culture Services to help create new opportunities for public art through the Public Art Policy. The London Arts Council administers this program (on behalf of Culture Services) by evaluating sites, convening juries for artist selection and overseeing installation timelines.