2025

Series by David Scriven
August 2025 - October 2025
Opening Reception Thursday August 7th 5 to 8 PM

City Block is an ongoing long-term project documenting the streets and laneways encompassing Queen Street West, Ossington Avenue, Dundas Street West and Dovercourt Road. As a long-time resident of Little Portugal, I have observed and documented its rapid transformation from supporting an ethnic community to a trendy entertainment destination. For this mural, I have focused on the liminal spaces that for me are the essence of my neighbourhood.

The black and white images of storefronts represent each of the streets that form the perimeter of the City Block. Over the years, each of these storefronts have hosted numerous tenants and served varying functions. In this mural, they are each presented in a time of transition.

The laneways of Little Portugal are evocative of my childhood growing up in the east end of the city and were an early inspiration for my artistic practice. While they provide practical access for residents and businesses, they are presented here as a playful place of unrestrained urban wilderness.

The wheat paste artwork captured in the 1080 Queen Street West Image is by Jeremy Lynch (@jumblefacefoto)

I am indebted to Shaney Herrmann (@shaney.herrmann) for her curatorial guidance.

Thank you to Gustavo Jabbaz (@vacaseca) for giving me the opportunity to present this work in the neighbourhood that inspired it and my practice.