Anyone who has been to Toronto knows that it’s more than just the hometown of musician Drake and the CN Tower. Although a fortuitous trip to a Toronto Raptors game at Scotiabank Arena last November did result in seeing Drake sitting courtside, I was also surprised to discover a thriving street art scene, for which Graffiti Alley is a significant hub.
Graffiti Alley is a whimsical and vibrant series of alleys where art is constantly being created and re-created. You could almost picture the artists coming here, spray-painting a fresh coat of new illustrations over older murals. My personal favorite was an aquatic-themed mural, with hammerhead sharks and schools of fish bursting with color all over a brick building. Other paintings are psychedelic in nature, offering a glimpse into Toronto’s dreamlike collective imagination.
Graffiti is not exclusive to Graffiti Alley; a drive around Toronto reveals a flourishing street art scene, juxtaposed near the busy city center’s buttoned-up financial district. There are pockets of street art galore at the popular Kensington Market, Underpass Park and Cabbage Town, just to name a few. You don’t need to look very hard to find some of the most beautiful art on display throughout the city.
The Details
Tourism Toronto
www.seetorontonow.com
