Perspectives
Celebrating Toronto's Identity
Are you looking for a fresh perspective? We’ve got one for you!
The Perspectives public art program, launched in 2025, showcases local artistic talent on a large scale in the pedestrian tunnel of the passenger terminal at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Every six months, we refresh the works on display, and feature artists and their unique perspectives on Toronto’s vibrant cultures, neighbourhoods, attractions and environment.
Now on Display
Our current show (July to December 2025) features artists Melanie Gordon, Pam Lostracco, Jason Lujan, Tessa Shank and Sara Shields.
Melanie Gordon | melaniegordonart.com
Melanie Gordonis a multidisciplinary artist and lifelong Toronto resident who makes work about human connection. For the past 25 years, she has created photographs, films and participatory experiences that explore how we see ourselves and each other. Her participatory photography project, “Introductions,” which captures the moment two strangers meet for the first time, explores the transformative potential in the simple act of meeting a new person. She sees these encounters as quiet, radical acts of hope, disrupting default perceptions and patterns of relating.
Pam Lostracco | pamlostracco.com
Pam Lostraccois a mural designer and OCADU alumna based in Toronto. Her artistic style evolved through a harmonious synthesis of her graphic design background with a lifelong passion for exploring nature. Focused on biophilic design, Pam integrates organic forms and natural colours to help people connect with the restorative power of the environment. Through her work, she shares the well-being and inspiration she finds in nature while raising awareness of local species.
Jason Lujan | jasonlujan.com
Jason Lujanis originally from Marfa, Texas, and lives in Toronto, where he teaches sculpture and installation at OCADU. As an artist, he creates things that realize his lived environment, connecting it to larger global experiences to generate new meanings. Largely integrating visual components of commercial and political design rooted in Asia and North America, his work focuses on the possibilities and limitations of the exchanging of ideas, meanings and values, and questions the concepts of authorship and authenticity. He is represented by MKG127 in Toronto.
Tessa Shank | tessashank.com
Tessa Shankis a multidisciplinary Anishinaabe artist from Nipissing First Nation, residing in Toronto. Her artwork’s heartbeat is guided by Anishinaabeg culture and sharing traditional knowledge and teachings. Her artistic approach takes inspiration from nature, ethnobotany and our connections to the water, to the land and to the sky…the things that connect all people. Her intention is to build connections and share culture through narratives that will create a bridge of empathy, understanding and compassion. This sentiment is the spirit and drive behind her artistic practice.
Sara Shields | sarashields.net
Sara Shields is a Toronto-based visual artist specializing in drawing and painting, with a practice rooted in deep emotional resonance and reflection. Grounded in Shields’ connection to Toronto’s green spaces, the works presented in the pedestrian tunnel carry the pulse of the city’s hidden ecologies, reminding us that nature persists, transforms and reclaims. She is represented by the Emily Harding Gallery in Toronto.
Submissions
PortsToronto launches a call for submissions twice a year. There is no cost to submit. Submissions are reviewed by a volunteer curatorial panel and scored according to the same criteria. While not all submissions are accepted, future submissions are welcome. Selected artists receive an honorarium for their participation. If you have any questions, we invite you to write us at [email protected].
Past Exhibitions
We are proud to feature an expanding number of local artists, representing a range of media and artistic practices.
Que Rock
Quentin Commanda, known as “Que Rock” is a Nipissing First Nation-born artist. Quentin began his artistic journey when his mentors encouraged him to pursue his passion for painting. He soon developed a mature graffiti art style in which he utilizes traditional Indigenous styles and techniques to create striking images of animals and nature. Through his art Quentin showcases his ancestors’ teachings while creating new spaces for people to come and enjoy art. Quentin has worked with several community-led organizations, painting murals all across Toronto. Find more of his work on Instagram at @miangunclan.
Jonathan Gazze
Jonathan Gazze is a celebrated photographer and visual artist known for his ability to capture the extraordinary within the everyday. His work combines technical precision with a deep sense of storytelling, drawing viewers into moments that feel both intimate and universal.
With a passion for exploring light, texture, and emotion, Jonathan has crafted a portfolio that spans breathtaking landscapes, compelling portraits, and evocative lifestyle imagery.
Based in Toronto, Jonathan works passionately to showcase the city’s vibrant energy and diverse culture through his photography. His art not only captures Toronto’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems but also highlights the stories of the people and communities that make the city unique. Through his work, Jonathan has become a proud champion for the City of Toronto, bringing its spirit to life for audiences near and far. Find more of his work on Instagram at @jgazze.
Mariana Hernandez
Mariana Hernandez is an artist and art educator based in the new east Bayside Waterfront Community in Toronto, living among 80 live/work artists. Her paintings have sold to TRIDEL Incorporated, Daniels Home Incorporated and Distillery District and have been rented to Facebook. She teaches classes to various non-profit agencies across Toronto including the Gardiner Museum. Native to Chile and living in Toronto since 1977, her paintings and drawings reflect all that is Toronto in the waterfront and urban areas. She studied Fine Art at OCAD and has also expanded her skills as a self-taught learner. Vibrant colors, strong line work in drawings and a love and admiration for bodies of water and urban settings are her trademarks. Find more of her work on X at @Mariana_ArtsTO.
FAQ
Yes, the theme for this public art program is Perspectives of Toronto. What is Toronto to you? Is it the waterfront, the architectural landmarks that make up our iconic skyline, the cultural hubs within our neighbourhoods, or the events that bring us all together? Show us your Toronto.
Yes. The artwork will need to be submitted in digital format (either as a digital piece or a high-resolution scan). Please adhere to the specifications below or your artwork will not be considered.
Finished Print Dimensions: 180″(w) x 78″(h)
- Please incorporate 0.5″ bleed on each side of the image.
- The bleed area should be non-critical content as it will be used during the finishing process and will not be seen after installation.
Image Resolution: 300ppi at final size
- Since the finished size is so large, you will have to provide your image(s) at a reduced size.
- The scale should be proportional to the output – for example, if you provide the image at 25% of final size, the image would be 45″(w) x 19.5″(h). If you scan at 1200ppi, your resolution will be 300ppi once the image is enlarged by 400%.
Yes, artists are welcome to submit more than one artwork. We would encourage artists to consider groupings of 2 or 4 pieces. Larger groupings will be considered.
Your art will be recognized with an attribution on your piece, as well as on the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport website and social media channels. While the artwork onsite will be rotated, selected pieces that have formed part of the program’s past and present will be represented on the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport website.
Yes, PortsToronto will assume the cost of producing the artwork and each artist will be paid $500.00 per artwork selected.
Yes, each artist selected will be required to sign a standard agreement with PortsToronto in order to proceed.
While we would love to consider artwork in all media, Perspectives is limited to 180 x 78″, 2-D printed panels. Your artwork, whether digital or physical, will need to be able to be scanned and printed in size. We will work with you to help facilitate this process but please be aware of these requirements before submitting your pieces.
Artworks are selected by a panel. When selecting artists, the panel may consider a variety of criteria, including:
- Artistic merit: The quality of the artist’s body of work
- Conceptual skills: The artist’s ability to demonstrate innovative and effective approaches in other creative projects
- Contextual sensitivity: The artist’s ability to design artwork that is relevant to social, environmental, historical, or other contexts
- Creativity and originality: The level of creativity and originality demonstrated in the artwork
- Interpretation of theme: The artist’s ability to interpret the theme
- Quality of artwork: The quality of the artwork and artistic skill demonstrated
- Panelists may also consider: visual appeal, community engagement, site appropriateness, social impact, and integration with surroundings.
At this time, artwork will be rotated on a six-month basis.