Burlington, Ontario
Canada
L7P 1P8
Soar
Soar, 2021
Hooman Mehdizadehjafari (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Patinated copper, blackened stainless steel, Corten steel, steel
Soar is inspired by the Eastern White Cedar. Though modest in size, some cedars are thought to be more than 1,300 years old. Their determined seeds find cracks to settle in and grow slowly, with very few nutrients, water, and in extreme cold conditions. These trees show us patience and resilience. They are a commendable species; a prominent symbol of strength and longevity. Soar reflects the rich natural heritage of the region, in particular the Niagara Escarpment. The Eastern White Cedar is part of the iconic flora and fauna that make up the region’s ecosystem that includes Calypso Orchids, Southern Flying Squirrels and Spotted Turtles, the cedar forests and their immense, interconnected, underground root system.
The diversity of materials used to create Soar forms a beautiful colour play that is often seen in nature and alludes to the diverse and united community of Burlington. The words THROUGH – NATURE – WITH – LOVE – WE – THRIVE placed along the bottom of the sculpture create an infinite loop that reflects the ultimate message of this piece: by loving our nature, valuing and protecting it, we may grow and thrive within it peacefully.
For more information about the City of Burlington’s Public Art program, visit Burlington.ca/publicart.
