TORONTO.- Today the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) unveils its newest public sculpture, Moments Contained, a monumental bronze figure by renowned artist Thomas J Price. Installed at ground level, Price’s sculpture depicts a casually dressed young woman, standing in front of the main entrance of the AGO, facing north and overlooking the intersection of Dundas St. West and McCaul St.

A celebration of shared humanity, Moments Contained is one of Price’s public sculptures that challenges assumptions about the purpose and expectations of monuments. An object of great beauty, standing 2.7 meters tall, and made of bronze, Price says Moments Contained is a gesture that he hopes can lead to greater empathy and connection.

“I want people to recognize themselves and feel valued,” says Price.

Price's figures are fictional, purposeful amalgamations of different people; their attributes and features culled from art history and from life. The character of Moments Contained holds a serene expression. Her feet firmly planted on the sidewalk, she appears outwardly confident, but the hands she hides in her pockets are visibly clenched, suggesting a tension between her inner thoughts and outward expression.

Today’s unveiling marks a return to Toronto and the AGO for the British based artist. In 2021, as part of ArtworxTO: Toronto’s Year of Public Art, Julie Crooks, Curator, Arts of Global Africa and the Diaspora, AGO installed Price’s sculpture Within the Folds (Dialogue 1). It stood near the intersection of Dundas St. W and McCaul St., on the site currently held by Brian Jungen’s Couch Monster: Sadzěʔ yaaghęhch’ill (2022).

The acquisition of Moments Contained was spearheaded by Crooks and it is the first public artwork to be acquired by the museum's Department of Arts of Global Africa and the Diaspora. The acquisition and presentation of Moments Contained was made possible by the generous contributions of a group of donors, the majority of whom are from Toronto's Black and Caribbean communities. Lead support for the acquisition was from an anonymous donor, with significant support from David W. Binet and The Haynes-Connell Foundation.

“It is thanks to the incredible generosity and vision of our community that we welcome Thomas J Price’s art back to the AGO, now as part of our collection,” says Julie Crooks, Curator, Arts of Global Africa and the Diaspora. “With his monumental gestures, Price creates space for discussion and for beauty. My thanks to Thomas for sharing his work with us.”

The AGO has intentionally engaged community support for this project, following the success of a community-led acquisition of the Montgomery Collection of Caribbean Photographs in 2019.

Moments Contained is expected to reside in its new location for years to come and is accompanied by a descriptive panel.