Local designer Jyhling Lee has crafted a stainless steel sculpture inspired by an origami bowl for a prominent corner on Queen Street West in Downtown Toronto. Reflector, a mirrored sculpture measuring approximately 5 by 3 metres, is situated on one of the city's most iconic streets. Read more on SURFACES REPORTER (SR):
Design and Inspiration
The sculpture features angled planes of mirrored stainless steel, forming a half-circle that meets the ground at spiked points. Its shape is inspired by origami folds, a recurring theme in Jyhling Lee's work, including her Origami Goose sculpture.
Lee explained that her initial origami studies focused on bowl-like forms that provided an experiential space and self-supporting structure. The design evolved into an open form, inviting the public to interact with both the interior and exterior of the sculpture.
Durability and Symbolism
The sculpture's stainless steel form is highly durable, resistant to corrosion, and easy to clean. Lights around its base are programmed to turn on at sunset and off at sunrise. Lee, who has known Queen Street West since childhood, designed Reflector to capture the street's vibrant energy and establish it as a new community landmark.
Commissioned by the Queen Street West Business Improvement Area (QSWBIA) and the city of Toronto, the sculpture serves as an interactive public artwork and "inhabitable environment." The sculptural space offers a surprising and unique acoustic experience.
Photo Courtesy: Kurtis Chen