Contemporary Portrait Artist | Toronto

Presented as part of Toronto’s Yorkville Murals, one of the city’s major summer cultural highlights, this project marked a significant moment in Nick Bodoin’s practice. The artist was invited to present his work both in the public realm and within a gallery setting, creating a rare dual presentation that allowed the installation to exist in two distinct but connected environments.

The large-scale mirror painting was first unveiled in the street as part of Yorkville Murals before being installed inside Taglialatella Gallery, offering viewers an intimate continuation of the public experience. Through reflection, scale, and placement, the work invites passersby to briefly encounter themselves within the piece, transforming the viewer into an active element of the artwork.

The project posed a considerable technical and physical challenge. Transporting, testing, and assembling the mirror required precision and persistence, with numerous adjustments made throughout the process. Despite the demanding conditions, the work was completed in time for its public unveiling, resulting in a powerful and immersive installation.

Reflecting on the experience, Bodoin notes:

“What moved me most was watching the city interact with the work—people catching their reflection for a brief second, becoming part of the piece, then walking away changed in some small way. To be seen and embraced by the public, and to feel that connection through my art, was incredibly heartwarming. It is the kind of fuel that keeps me pushing forward.”
— Nick Bodoin

Through its interaction with the urban landscape and its audience, the installation underscores Bodoin’s ongoing exploration of presence, perception, and the fleeting moments that connect art and everyday life.