The magical piece in Mississauga’s city centre represents the city’s rich diversity.
October 8, 2024
Last Friday, French artist Saype unveiled his monumental fresco at Community Common Park in downtown Mississauga, in recognition of the City’s 50th anniversary. The piece, titled Citizens, was created on a three-acre lawn “canvas” and features a child playing with Kapla blocks, small wooden planks that have shaped the childhood of many of us, including Saype himself. Through this artwork, Saype seeks to emphasize the importance of coming together as a community for a common goal by acknowledging the amalgamated beginnings of the city and celebrating our unique and diverse cultural make up.
For Saype, this creation embodies the cooperation essential to constructing a community that offers a prosperous future for all. Through this piece, he invites us to reflect on how even the smallest contribution can help shape a better world.
In partnership with Visit Mississauga Saype was invited to come to the city to create the land art fresco in celebration of Mississauga’s diversity and rich past, dynamic present, and promising future. The artwork stands in striking contrast to the modern skyscrapers surrounding the park, highlighting the simplicity of childhood and humanity at work amid the growing urban development of Mississauga’s downtown area.
Using biodegradable paints specially created by Saype, the greyscale mural has since faded away leaving only the everlasting memories of his work with those who were able to witness this once-in-a-lifetime art installation in person. However, despite the passage of his frescoes, images and videos of his work will leave an impact on people around the world for years to come, without leaving an impact on nature.
Sharing similar messages around the world, Saype has created more than 50 majestic artworks in international cities including New York, Paris, Dubai, Tokyo and many more. His original work in Mississauga is a first for the province, and for English-speaking Canada.
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To learn more about the City of Mississauga’s 50th anniversary visit, mississauga.ca/50
Visit Mississauga
Visit Mississauga is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for the City of Mississauga. The organization is industry-led and responsible for developing a tourism strategy and leading tourism marketing and development efforts for Mississauga. Visit Mississauga is committed to implementing the City of Mississauga’s Tourism Master Plan, promoting local businesses and co-ordinating large-scale events within the city. Learn more at visitmississauga.ca.