Scattered Order – II

On By ResaIn Underpasses

Back to the Beginning

The artist EGR has been painting faces around town since before I discovered street art.

So, it is befitting that her art begins the underpass gallery. The cement wall starts out about 2′ high, then grows to better than 6′.

At the skateboarder, it’s about 4′ high. For this mural she mentored several students from the Bishop Morrocco secondary school arts program.

The skateboarder segues into a gorgeous tropical scene, that is about 5′ high.

This piece is not signed. However, as it is a city project, the credits should appear on the website, eventually.

I would think the 2 artist(s) first seen in the pic below, standing at a blank wall are beginning to paint this mural. Notice the cans of oranges and pinks on the stand.

The artist in the cap at the next wall (face unseen) is painting the image below. It is titled –

ningodwaaswi (niizh) : 6(2)

Note the bird circled on the left. The angled shape circled on the right are the beginnings of the bird.

The artist, Bradley J. Reinhardt’s (bjr_artist) mother was Ojibwe. His father was white. A quote from his instagram page.

"This painting reflects the impact of the Indian Act, specifically the Second Generation Cut-Off. I am registered under section 6(2), meaning I cannot pass status to my children unless their other parent has status. In the painting, the bear represents me and the 2 cubs represent my sons. The river symbolizes the Indian Act, a system that divides families and determines legal identity.  The Orange and blue areas represent the loss of language, culture, and identity caused by colonization and residential schools. Although my sons cannot receive status under the law, they will grow up learning Ojibwe values, culture and teachings. My hope is that one day the Indian Act will change so families like mine are no longer divided by legislation."

A few over …

… is this kool kid by Blackburn; chillin’ under the clouds catching all the art action.

Even further along, as you come out of dark areas of the underpass, is this 4-faced beauty. I love it.

As we enter one of the dark areas, (note the light that helps keep it safe) are 2 beguiling pieces; something for everyone.

Below is Opola Karim painting her wonderful image of Toronto.

TADA!

Back into the light of day!

I met Getso a few years back when he was part of a painting party in the alley behind me. Part of that alley painting party was Nick Sweetman. Nick is one of my faves and has a category link on my sidebar.

Pics taken by Resa – July 23 & 26, 2026

Toronto, Canada

The artists in order of appearance:

TBD

See you in awhile for Part 3!

101 thoughts on “Scattered Order – II”

  1. Thank you for the mural arts tour, Resa! I love how you acknowledge all the artists. You’re right, something for everyone!

    I didn’t know about your Indian Act and the cut off. In the US, I believe, each tribe determines status.

    Reply

    1. Thanks Merril!
      It’s so great that artists sign their works now. When I started collecting, it was against the law to paint on wall, so the artists left their work unsigned.
      They also had to sneak paint… hence so much alley art. Talk about a 180?

      The First Nations artist who painted “ningodwaaswi” was saying something very important to him and society, so it felt important to share.
      🩵💙

      Reply

  4. One of the most beautiful displays , such talented artists! I love the wild bird and nature scenes, a paradise. Designated areas for these gifted artists to brighten the city is a fabulous way for them to create a wonderland of vivid faces , birds, wild animals, everything one could imagine. So absolutely amazing!
    xoxoxoxoxo

    Reply

    1. Agree!
      You will, however, notice an unusual lack of Meece in the art.
      Seems we are on our own, there.
      I think I’ve done 16 of the 39 pieces now. So much art, so little time.
      xoxoxoxo{🩵🐭💙🐭}xoxoxoxo

      Reply

        1. Yes, Meece are under valued. Or are we? It could be a case of mistaken jealousy. We are awful cute. I mean who could compete?
          Green and red? Okay…Meece away!
          ~~ 💚❣️🐭🐭❣️💚 ~~

          Reply

  6. What a fun, diverse, and colorful collection of murals. It’s wonderful that Toronto allows these mural projects. My favorites are the skateboard, tropical scenes, and bjr’s, especially given the background about his native status.

    Reply

    1. Yes… fun and diverse hits the nail on the art head.
      I keep thinking…this one is my fave… then I change my mind.
      I’ve gone art mad.
      bjr’s piece is special, in its way.

      Thanks Brad! I am so happy you come to see the art. 🩵

      Reply
  7. Timothy Price's avatar Timothy Price

    Such a great variety of wildly beautiful murals. That is so cool you could capture the pieces of the process and point out the finished bird. Wonderful photos.

    Reply

    1. Thanks Tim!
      Yes, it was a weird inner art radar. I knew about this underpass being painted since March. I’d heard about artists submitting ideas.

      One day I thought… go to the underpass… now! So I went and it was all happening Crazy! xx

      Reply

    1. Thanks Audrey! Yes, if I know who the artists are, I credit them.
      Years ago they didn’t sign the art, as it was illegal. Now, it’s the one of the biggest trends in urban beautification, and totally legal.

      Reply

  10. You mean I get to sit on my bum in Vancouver and stroll an alley with the likes of EGR, Sweetman and Blackburn? Life is good. Thanks, Resa — both for the revisit with artists I know and for the introduction to others.

    Reply

    1. Yes… enjoy your bum, Penny!

      I’m so happy you come to check out the art, and that you know some of who I am talking about and presenting.

      More soon! ꧁❦꧂

      Reply

  11. Resa, I am always amazed by the work you put into documenting these murals and the artists who create them. What especially caught my attention here was seeing the artists actually at work and learning that EGR mentored students in creating part of the mural. It is wonderful about to see art moving beyond the gallery and becoming part of a neighbourhood. And then one generation of artists encouraging the next. Thank you for taking us along with you on these treasure walks!!! Sending hugs across the miles!!!

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Rebecca, and I agree.
      The reality that the art is in the streets comforts me. Many do not go to the AGO… or are invited to art shows, or walk into a small gallery, just to see art.

      At least outdoors we are all exposed to art, its messages, its beauty and even its uglinesses.

      I’m so happy you see these walks as treasures. They are to me. I am a treasure hunter of art treasures.
      HUGS ꧁❦꧂

      Reply

  12. ▪️◾◼️⬛◼️◾▪️▫️◽◻️⬜◻️◽▫️▪️◾◼️⬛◼️◾▪️

    ⬻𓂀☆♡ ‌ ‌ 🎀 ‌ 𝐺𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑣𝑦 ‌ 🎀 ‌ ‌ ♡☆𓂀⤖

    Loving those fish and the unsigned bird especially

    ▪️◾◼️⬛◼️◾▪️▫️◽◻️⬜◻️◽▫️▪️◾◼️⬛◼️◾▪️

    Reply

      1. I would love to see Renate and David create all kinds of island art as their legacy for the next group. Resources are unlimited and all it would take was the work to convert resources into useful works of art. That cave could really use some sprucing up. Next would be to create natural spaces where the native plants flourish like a botanical garden. NO reason to ever be bored and wonder what to do next. Best of all, no government to constantly say no to every good idea.

        Reply

          1. If ever there is a true spiritual elevation of the human animal, making art and turning away from war or violence for the sake of violence would be the answer to all our problems. Art unifies us in a way that creates positive thinking and when we are creative, destruction becomes a part of the life cycle and is acceptable. For instance destruction of natural elements such as stone through the natural process of erosion into sand then used to create glass is a positive outcome. The cast off from plants and trees becomes soil that hold moisture that ultimately turns into marshes and streams that nourish an amazing biological universe. We could achieve that balance we talked about. When everything is in balance the need for violence almost disappears. Art, to me, is that unifying act that shows the greater part of humanity.

            Reply

  15. Hi Resa, what a colorful summer series you have going here. It always feels like icing on the cake when get to see the artists in action. Love how you circled the bird in ningodwaaswi (niizh) : 6(2) to clarify which mural that was… Those (Chinook Salmon, I think they are… graboid-shaped snout!) really splash off the wall!🫟🎏 … Another standout fav is Opola Karim’s Toronto.

    Reply

    1. Agree, I love watching the artists at work. It’s so inspiring.
      So much great art on the streets of this city.
      First things first, though… finish the underpass art, finish Emmy voting… visit EF!
      I was there recently, but I didn’t see a new post.
      Hope you are busy having a BLAST! ꧁❦꧂

      Reply

  16. Absolutely fascinating! “Scattered Order II” has such a wonderful sense of creativity and visual discovery. I love how the composition invites you to pause, look more closely, and find connections within what initially appears scattered. There is something new to notice each time you look. Beautifully captured and presented!

    Reply

    1. Thank you so very much!
      Art is captivating. One just needs to really look.
      It is my joy to share all the fabulous street art in my home city of Toronto, or anywhere I might travel.

      Reply

  17. Wow, wow and wow Resa, what amazing street art.
    I live in a small town and never see anything resembling, but I am pretty sure if I headed into Edinburgh, I would.
    Not atm, because the Festival is on .
    A mare for locals 🙄.
    Thank you for sharing 🥰❤️

    Reply

    1. Love the sounds of the festival, Maggie!
      Hey, you’ll be going to Edinburgh one day, and now you know to keep your eyes peeled. ꧁❦꧂꧁❦꧂

      Reply

    1. Your art would fit in beautifully, Matt! I mean if you wanted to paint in the streets, I’m sure it would be popular.

      I found some pieces a couple of months ago, and thought of you.
      I’ve got those on hold, until I have more time. I thought we might do a colab post over the winter?

      AND… who knows what I’ll find when I really start street art hunting in the fall? (Too hot to go for long walks right now)

      Reply

  19. What wonderful artists and captures, Resa with such a good message. I love the gathering of community and the devotion, gifts and heart they all share. Such good vibes and beautiful art Resa❣️ Truly fantabulous and thanks for sharing💕
    ❣️💕❤️💃🏻

    Reply

  22. These murals are all amazing; what a tour!! The colors are so vivid and vibrant! I adore the tropical scene with the birds, reminds me of Hawaii or Bali in my homeland. I adore Opala Karim’s painting of the Toronto scene as well, just gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing all this phenomenal artworks and highlighting the artists too, especially as they’re working on their work. It must’ve taken quite an effort to take the photos and organize them into this post. Well done!!

    ⊹₊˚‧꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂‧˚₊⊹

    Reply

    1. Everyone is drawn to something personal, and this underpass has something for everyone.

      I just can’t get enough art! (or watch enough tv)
      I hope the dates in my mail work for you!

      I enjoy making posts a lot. It’s like my section in a magazine, and I want to entertain people.

      Thank you for your cool comment, Ruth!

      ༻ ~~ ★✯ ꧁❦ 𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮 ❦꧂ ✯★ ~~ ༺

      Reply

  27. Thanks for sharing your incredible photos of the underpass gallery! What an incredibly creative place; you capture it perfectly. I love the colorful birds and Nick’s salmon are a joy to the eye. What a diverse place with many talented artists working together to create something irreplaceably expressive, freeing, and special. 🕊️🌸🌼

    Reply

    1. Hello Ada,
      I agree. Seeing all the artists working together is special event. I was in a heaven… a new age Love-In of sorts.

      Nick is an incredible artist. I have a massive Monarch Butterfly on a wall of my home that he painted for me.

      I so love sharing art, and I’m so happy you come by to check it out!
      ༻~~ ❅ ꧁★꧂ ❅ ~~ ༺

      Reply

  28. So glad you followed your impulse and went to the underpass, Resa! Terrific reporting/recording of the artists at work. Thanks for sharing these marvelous murals. So much color! So much variety! So much talent!!

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Cheyenne!

      Yes, what an radar I’ve developed for street art. I had the best time… it was like a Love-In!

      The works are all wonderful. I’m so pleased that so many artists want to paint the streets.
      ꧁★꧂

      Reply

  29. Resa, happy to see that overhead light is in place to shine upon those two pieces of art in that “dark area,” but even in darkness they light up the night for anyone viewing them. Those two are my favorites, and there is indeed something for everybody within them. Opala’s image of Toronto is amazing. So much talent on display throughout this tour.

    Reply

    1. I agree about the light, Bruce.
      It’s also helpful for safety.
      I love finding out which ones are peoples’ faves. The Toronto one is quite popular.

      This tour is a gas, and there’s more to come. Should have some time to post another next week.
      Thank you so much for coming by!

      Reply

  30. Resa, on a deeper thought, I think the modernest painters at the turn of the century would love this art. They were very avant guard for their time, like street art. Are you familiar with Franz Marc? His painting of Large Blue Horses is just wonderful. Yes, I introduce this to my preschool class. Marc was one of five painters that Eric Carle’s art teacher introduced him to at the threat of being killed by the Nazis. That art changed Carle’s life. Now I know why the blue horse in “Brown Bear, Brown Bear” is blue – a tribute to Franz Marc.

    Reply

  31. Some fabulous pieces today Resa. It’s extra cool when you catch the artists in action. I love the colourful paintings. And that piece from Reinhardt was powerful! 💜💚❌⭕❌

    Reply

Speak your art mind!