Arc En Ciel, the popular art installation by Michael Hayden, may once again find a home in Yorkdale subway station.
The rainbow-themed artwork, which consisted of 158 painted neon lights that moved and pulsed with the rhythm of subway trains, ran along the station’s ceiling from 1978 until it was dismantled in the mid ’90s by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) due to a lack of funding for repairs.
“It was very inappropriately removed from the station because the TTC wouldn’t spend $500 to restore some of the electronics,” said former councillor Howard Moscoe. “I’ve negotiated a co-operation agreement with the Yorkdale Shopping Centre,” he said, adding that, as part of Oxford Properties’ $110 million mall expansion plans, they’ve agreed to pay for the restoration of the piece.
Hayden, who resides in California and called the piece a triumph, said he’s been working toward this moment ever since it was taken out and that his vision for the re-installation, which he was told by Moscoe was 95 per cent confirmed, includes more energy-efficient LED technology.
“I’m superexcited for getting this piece done for Toronto again,” he said.
Although Moscoe said he also reached an agreement with the TTC, Brad Ross, director of corporate communications at the TTC, only confirmed they were currently working on a plan and wouldn’t reveal any specifics.
“It is going to be an impressive piece, part of Toronto’s legacy,” said Moscoe. “Michael Hayden’s work is world-famous. Everyone remembers the beauty of that piece when the subway opened.”