NEW YORK, NY.- During Art Toronto 2009, the AXA Art lounge will be transformed into a showcase for creations by one of Canada’s exciting, contemporary sculptors and artists, Tim Forbes, Forbes’ work has been described as compelling and sensuous, “combining the sophisticated sense of design with daring and unorthodox expressions”. The presentation will draw from a suite of Forbes’ collected masterworks, HUMAN.

For years, Tim Forbes has been respected as one of the finest graphic designers in Canada , known for delivering award-winning creative to an A-list of international clients - from Royal commissions, to film and television studios and a Who’s Who of law firms, corporations and organizations. Following a period of private experimentation, he stepped forward to fully express his creative appetite through sculpture and art. The result, a unique body of sophisticated, intriguing, three-dimensional forms which Forbes brings to life in carved resin, chroma-fiberglass and cast bronze, accompanied by equally compelling art work.

When probed on his perspective about Forbes and his series of work over time, respected Canadian painter and printmaker David Blackwood offered the following statement: “. I have always said it would take an international company to fully appreciate the work and potential of Tim Forbes. He is highly creative, thoughtful and has the right attitude. On a personal level, I find Tim's smaller works quite outstanding. It is inspirational that AXA Art is presenting the work of this prolific Canadian sculptor and artist during Art Toronto".

AXA Art’s Vice President in charge of its Canadian operations, Ann-Louise Seago brought Forbes’ work to the attention of AXA. As to why she selected this body of work for presentation at Art Toronto, Seago cited the quality, warmth and distinction of Forbes’ powerful creations, which she said deeply appealed to her and made for a perfect fit. Christiane Fischer, President and CEO of AXA Art’s North American operations stated, “AXA Art’s partnership with Art Toronto provides a perfect platform to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to the artistic community and their work. We are delighted to use our presence at Art Toronto 2009 to bring attention to the remarkable artistry of Tim Forbes”.

Celebrating its 10th year, Toronto ’s International Art Fair, Art Toronto 2009 takes place from October 22-26. The highly anticipated fair continues its tradition of showcasing renowned Canadian and international modern and contemporary fine art - from modern masters to the vanguard, ranging from museum caliber to the more affordable.

Fair Director Linel Rebenchuk is very excited with this year’s lineup of participants and promises that “Art Toronto 2009 will be a stellar showcase of modern and contemporary fine art from one hundred International galleries with a special celebratory nod to Canadian artists this year. With the invaluable support of sponsors such as AXA Art we have been able to continue to grow our programming and ensure another successful and dynamic international art fair for Canada .”

Over the years, AXA has engaged in a series of activities to increase the presence and visibility of its brand internationally. Among its major accomplishments in Canada was formulating a strategic partnership with Art Toronto through its art insurance arm, AXA Art. AXA Art serves as exclusive art insurance partner of Art Toronto, during which it offers complementary specialist art insurance consultation service at its lounge onsite at the fair.