culture
This Installation in Corktown is Inspired by History
Garden follies appeared in 18th-century French and English gardens.
Garden of Future Follies. Photo by Beatrice Paez.
BY: Hadley+Maxwell
INSTALLATION: 2016
LOCATION: Front Street Promenade, Corktown
“Garden of Future Follies” turns the concept of follies on its head. It breaks from the traditional folly architecture that exists only to be seen and appreciated for its decadent design.
The monopoly-like pieces that make up the collection aren’t merely frivolous ornaments that lack substance and purpose.
Instead, the collection is steeped in history—borrowing, appropriating, and reconstructing monuments and icons that make up the cityscape.
In their original form, garden follies, which appeared in 18th-century French and English gardens, took on a fantastical bent, evoking far-off destinations with replicas of Chinese temples, pagodas, and pyramids.
Rather than in a garden, “Garden of Future Follies” is scattered in a concrete landscape that has nevertheless fashioned itself as an urban living room of sorts.
Berlin-based artists Hadley+Maxwell’s interpretation looks inward while still staying true to folly architecture’s eccentric roots, honouring Toronto’s past and encouraging exploration by bringing out-of-reach architectural structures and elements down to the level of a pedestrian.
Photo by Beatrice Paez.