Awakening curiosity, the Dreaming Sculpture stands before us. It’s a towering figure at the Richmond-Adelaide Centre in Toronto. Unveiled in October 2020, Dreaming is more than just a statue. It’s a three-story-high, 2.5-tonne testament to dreams and contemplation. Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, known for his large-scale works in cities like New York and Tokyo, created this unique piece for Toronto. Dreaming is his only public sculpture in the city.
Dreaming depicts a young girl, eyes closed, seemingly lost in thought. The sculpture is made of white marble and resin, resting on a base that doubles as a public bench. Oxford Properties commissioned the $2 million piece as part of a larger $650 million revitalization project. The sculpture anchors The Terrace, a reimagined public plaza at the Richmond-Adelaide Centre. It’s meant to draw people in, encouraging them to interact with the space and each other. The girl’s closed eyes invite passersby to look inward, reflecting on their own dreams and aspirations. Plensa envisioned Dreaming as a metaphor for humanity’s shared dreams for the future, a message of hope and contemplation, especially relevant in our ever-changing world.
As you walk around Dreaming, something interesting happens. From one side, the proportions appear normal. But as you move, the sculpture seems to flatten. Seen from directly behind, it’s merely a sliver. This optical illusion adds another layer to the experience, playing with perception and reality. Mayor John Tory praised the installation, highlighting its role in revitalizing the Financial District and providing a socially distant way to engage with art. Dreaming is more than an artwork. It’s a symbol of hope, a quiet space for reflection in the bustling city, and a testament to the power of dreams. It invites us to pause, connect with ourselves, and consider the future we dream of.