5 Murals by Black Artists in Toronto

Toronto is a city that thrives on diversity, and its streets are a canvas for stories that reflect its vibrant cultural tapestry. This year, Metrolinx and UP Express celebrates Black History Month under the theme, Honouring the Legacy: Inspiring the Future. This theme acknowledges the trailblazers and unsung heroes who paved the way for future generations while empowering the next generation to build on this foundation. As part of this celebration, here's a look at the incredible contributions of Black artists to Toronto’s public spaces, including five stunning murals that reflect the city’s diversity, creativity, and cultural richness.

Celebrating African Heritage

Leone McComas, a Canadian-Nigerian artist, brings a unique blend of cultural exploration and emotional depth to her work. Known for her transparency-driven painting process, Leone’s art glows with saturated colors and intricate details. Her mural at 19 Brock Ave celebrates African and African diasporic heritage through vibrant fabric designs. 

The mural features patterns inspired by Ankara wax prints, Kente fabric, Mali-Mud cloth, and Jamaican Bandhani. These designs, deeply rooted in cultural identity and tradition, serve as a bridge for deeper learning and appreciation of African heritage. Painted on the fence of BAND, Toronto’s only Black-owned gallery, the mural not only beautifies the space but also highlights the richness of African culture while fostering community connections. 

Caribana Spirit

Adrian Hayles is a master of blending graffiti with ultra-realism, creating works that are both striking and meaningful. His mural at 12 Grace Street is a vibrant celebration of Caribana, Toronto’s iconic Caribbean festival. Spanning a massive 45'x35' wall, the mural bursts with color and energy, depicting stilted characters, costumed participants, and dancers alongside a classic parade float. 

This mural, spearheaded by Adrian and his Worth Gallery team, transforms the laneway into a visual feast. It not only celebrates Caribana’s rich history but also serves as a community hub, hosting block parties and fostering cultural pride. Adrian’s dedication to public art and mentorship, including his work with emerging artists like Henry Ngama, ensures that the spirit of Caribana continues to inspire future generations. 

Empowerment Through Monochrome

Alex Pinto, a Toronto-based artist with roots in Brazil, uses his art to tell powerful stories. For his mural at 147 Dundas East, he collaborated with fellow artist Jasnine Designs. The piece features Aisha Robinson, a model and motivational speaker with Vitiligo. Painted in black and white, the mural symbolizes contrasts and resilience, emphasizing Aisha’s journey of empowerment and self-acceptance.

The monochrome palette highlights Aisha’s beauty and strength, inspiring viewers to embrace their uniqueness. This mural is more than just art—it’s a message of inclusivity and confidence, encouraging young girls to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. The work of these artists continues to spread messages of hope and empowerment across cities and countries.

Accessible Art  

Leyland Adams is a trailblazer in making art accessible to all, including those with visual impairments. His mural, “Journey Through Time: The Liberty Streetcar TCF Bridge Mural,” celebrates the iconic Peter Witt streetcar as a symbol of Toronto’s evolution and community connection. You can see the amazing mural at 67 Mowat Avenue.

The mural captures the streetcar’s role in connecting people and neighborhoods, embodying the vibrant energy of Toronto and Liberty Village. Through bold, high-contrast imagery and textured details, it brings the city’s history to life. Diverse faces are seamlessly integrated into the design, celebrating the people who have shaped Toronto’s story. The bridge itself links the historic Toronto Carpet Factory and King-Dufferin Corner, blending the area’s industrial past with its thriving present.

Abstract Love and Togetherness 

A mural by Phillip Saunders will likely stop you in your tracks! The multimedia artist and arts educator, explores themes of love, spirituality, and human connection in his murals which can be found all over Toronto. His creative practice explores profound themes of love, spirituality, and human connection. By blending contemporary pop art aesthetics with classical realism, Phillip invites viewers to pause and reflect on the beauty of the human experience. 

His mural at 2192 Gerrard St. E offers a powerful visual representation of unity. The artwork features the hands of two Afro lovers clasped tightly together and raised high, serving as an exalted gesture of their bond. A large heart encompasses the hands, reinforcing the central theme of connection. The hands are rendered in the full spectrum of colours, symbolizing harmony and the vibrancy of life. A distinctive white, green, and red mosaic pattern grounds the composition, adding visual depth to this optimistic celebration of love. 

Honouring the Legacy: Inspiring the Future

These five murals by Black artists not only beautify Toronto’s public spaces but also celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black communities. This year, Metrolinx proudly honors Black History Month with initiatives like the GO Bus wrap, conceptualized by BEEAM ERG. The design highlights the history of Black people in transit, bridging past and future. To learn more about these stories, visit the Museum of Toronto’s website.