PhD student's mosaic project selected by TTC
“confluence” by Francisco-Fernando Granados, in collaboration with Kurt Kraler, will be installed at the TTC’s Bay station.
Francisco-Fernando Granados in collaboration with Kurt Kraler, study for "confluence" (2023).
A captivating mosaic project by Media and Design Innovation PhD student Francisco-Fernando Granados, is set to become a permanent installation at the TTC Bay subway station. The approval comes after an extensive process involving presentations, proposals and meticulous planning.
Titled "confluence," the project will transform the station's ambiance with its vibrant and thought-provoking design. Granados, an accomplished artist with nearly 20 years of experience, shared his journey and vision for the installation.
"This opportunity to create a permanent art installation at a TTC station is special to me because I can create a lasting work in the city that is my home," said Granados, highlighting the personal significance of the project. Drawing inspiration from the station's surroundings and his own experiences as a refugee to Canada, Granados's design aims to reflect the city's diversity and intensity.
After submitting an expression of interest in response to TTC's call for permanent art installations, Granados was shortlisted along with two other artists to develop a full proposal for the space. Following a rigorous evaluation process by an independent jury, his proposal was selected, marking the beginning of the project's realization.
Collaborating closely with his partner Kurt Kraler, an architect, Granados meticulously crafted the concept for "confluence." The design, derived from his extensive archive of digital drawings, symbolizes the convergence of different streams and currents, mirroring the diverse fabric of Toronto.
"I hope that 'confluence' serves as a moment of reflection for commuters, inviting them to pause amidst the city's hustle and bustle," said Granados, emphasizing the installation's potential to evoke contemplation and appreciation for the urban experience.
The Media and Design Innovation PhD program provided the ideal platform for merging Granados’s artistic practice with academic inquiry. Unlike other PhD programs, TMU's approach values both practical work and scholarly research, allowing students to delve deeper into their creative pursuits.
"I feel fortunate to be part of a program that recognizes the significance of artistic practice in academic exploration," said Granados, highlighting the program's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
As "confluence" takes shape at Bay station, Granados envisions further explorations of temporary spatial interventions across TMU's campus. He specifically aims to propose a reimagination of Kerr Hall as part of these plans.
With approval secured, "confluence" promises to enrich the urban landscape and inspire contemplation among commuters journeying through the bustling Bay station—a testament to Granados's creative vision and the innovative spirit of TMU.