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The Names That Live and Sometimes Fade While Time Flies

The Names That Live and Sometimes Fade While Time Flies

Jose Parla
b.1973

The Names That Live and Sometimes Fade While Time Flies
  • 2011
  • Mixed Media
  • 20 m x 4.9 m
  • 10 Capreol Court, Toronto (accessible in condo building)

About the artwork

The Names that Live and Sometimes Fade While Time Flies is the title of one of two murals painted by Brooklyn, NY-based artist José Parlá at CityPlace – this one is located in the north lobby of the Parade 1 condominium. The artist explains that the painting is an homage to friends, writers, artists, and collaborators who have worked with or influenced him throughout his career. Some of the names he knows like family, others he may have read about in books, some are still with us while others are dearly departed. This expansive work measures a staggering 66 by 16 feet.

About the artist

José Parlá, is a Brooklyn-based contemporary artist. Born in Miami, his work has been described as “lying between the boundary of abstraction and calligraphy”. Parlá is publicly known for his permanent installations of large-scale paintings in Asia, Europe and America. One of his most famous collaboration was with French artist JR for the Havanna Biennale in 2012.

Fun facts

  • Jose Parla, has an artist brother, Rey, with whom he has been having conversation about art and philosophy since their childhood, sharing their creative journey and lifestyle through major collaborations.

Engagement questions

  • What do you think the artist was feeling when they created this work?
  • How has your opinion changed about this piece from the time you started looking at it until now?