Is it art or a hydro company mishap? That’s the question Nyctophilia often provokes. Here at the corner of Weston Road and Dennis Avenue stands an unusual art installation. It’s called Nyctophilia. The name means love of the night.
Nyctophilia features ten utility poles. They sprout 36 street lights pointing every which way. Toronto artists Daniel Young and Christian Giroux designed it. The Mount Dennis neighborhood has quite the story. It was once a bustling industrial center in the 19th century. Factories and businesses thrived here. But times changed. The Kodak factory closed in 2005. Many jobs vanished and crime became a concern. The neighborhood needed a boost.
In 2010, the community decided to enhance the gateway to Mount Dennis with public art. It would draw attention and define the area. A local real estate project offered $193,000. The City of Toronto Cultural Services covered the rest. A jury chose this design in 2011.
The $250,000 Nyctophilia project captures the area’s industrial past. It also adds a colorful splash of light. The LED lights change colors. They can be adjusted for holidays. Young and Giroux wanted to awaken imaginations. They sought to transform the intersection.
The lights aren’t too bright. Shields reduce glare for nearby homes. The lights don’t stay on all night. This eases concerns about light pollution. Some wondered about the cost. But the electricity bill is only about $20 per month. Most residents support Nyctophilia. It has become a local conversation piece. Councillor Nunziata said it brings an unutilized space to life.
The artwork resembles a grove of illuminated street lights. This evokes the area’s industrial heritage. It also brings to mind the natural environment. Nyctophilia uses concrete hydro poles. It has 36 computer controlled LED street lamps. They create a cloud of illumination. Over 20 lighting programs create different personalities each night. Nyctophilia redefines the street corner. It does it through color. So next time you are here, remember it is not a hydro screw up, it is art.