We follow public art on UrbanToronto. It's an all-too-often overlooked component of city life that we rush by more often than not in our daily pursuits. There are those times though when we can slow down long enough to stop and enjoy public art and what it brings to our streets and lives, whether we are standing back to simply admire an object, or with pieces like Henry Moore's Two Large Forms outside the AGO, where we can climb all over it.

Next week, weather-permitting, another public art work will transform a Toronto space that many people will not just stop to admire, but will also interact with. And while they may not climb on Approaching Red, the work will surely draw many in.

The piece in question is by Maha Mustafa, an Iraqi-born artist who is now based in Toronto and Sweden. Two giant swirling and glowing red forms that twist past each other, Approaching Red will take its place below the Parade 1 and 2 towers at Concord CityPlace, another standout addition to the city's largest collection of public art. Today; a bit of a sneak peek at what's to come.

Maha Mustafa with Approaching Red… preparing for the red, image by Devin Lund

Above, Maha Mustafa stands in front of one of the two forms in the process of being smoothed and filled in preparation for its automotive coating to be baked on at the fabricator Feature Walters in Brantford. Below, a short video directed by Sarah Keenlyside of Inkblot Media gives some insight into the piece and the fabrication process. The video is the first part of a making-of mini-documentary that will find its way on to the Concord Art Space website.

We can't wait to see the high-gloss and highly reflective work in place. Anyone walking around it will animate it and become a part of it for the duration of their visit. A major injection of bold colour into a city that is too gray too often, Approaching Red's embracing form and colour will surely make it a highlight of the area. 

Approaching Red emerges from the workshop, image by Gabriel Leung

We could show you more images now, but we would rather hold off on the big picture until the work makes its debut in situ. UrbanToronto will be around for the installation, and we will let you know soon when to venture down to get to know your new glowing neighbour for yourself.