Union Station celebrates Black History Month with public art
Seven Black artists are being highlighted and celebrated through two public exhibitions at Union Station to honour Black History Month.
The exhibitions, which officially launch Wednesday, feature "A Transit Through Time," a group exhibition showcasing six artists, co-curated with MakeRoom Inc and Toronto Union Station, as well as "Nothing More, Nothing Less" by artist Jordan Sook, which is a collection of images of butterflies showcased in various mediums.
"Art and Black history are synonymous ... it's important to show freedom of expression during this time, when the world can feel grey," Sook said.
"Adding that splash of colour and extra life is really important."
Sook says the butterflies represent self-expression and the joyfulness of the human spirit. Each piece merges entomology with curiosity, exploring themes of metamorphosis, transformation and evolution.
"What I really love about this exhibition is that it's connecting to people in their daily commute, they get to become immersed and part of the art in that way." Sook said.
He says he aims to present a fresh perspective on celebrating Black history and emphasize the significance of creating without limitations, encouraging both artists and community members to think without boundaries.
The exhibitions are open daily during station operating hours and are located on the ground level in the West Wing and Oak Room.
Sook's works also extends to the station's exterior banners along Front Street — a first in the building's history — as well as digital screens and a hoarding wall in the new lower area of the station.
Admission is free, and the exhibitions run until August 2025.
For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.
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