Phlegm Finishes Giant Mural in Downtown Toronto

Street artist Phlegm has completed a permanent eight-story mural on the Padulo building in Toronto. Overlooking the intersection of Yonge and St. Clair in Midtown, the mural intends to help stimulate ongoing revitalization efforts in the long-neglected neighborhood.

To streamline the mural’s completion, asset management company Slate purchased buildings on each corner of the intersection. After consulting with Toronto public art organizations, Slate chose anonymous British illustrator Phlegm for the mural. The artist, known for monochrome drawings of lanky figures and fantastical beasts, has rejuvenated run-down areas in Australia, Europe, and Sri Lanka with large-scale public artworks.

“Yonge and St. Clair was once a vibrant and bustling area, but in recent times has been sorely overlooked,” says Slate managing director, Lucas Manuel. “Our goal is to make lasting, impactful public-realm improvements that will revive this once-proud neighborhood—the mural is our first step.”

Phlegm’s mural depicts a sitting human figure composed of prominent Toronto landmarks and symbols, personifying the city as a living, breathing ecosystem. Located at one of the city’s highest elevations, the mural will physically overlook the neighborhood throughout its revitalization, which will include new retail spaces and facade facelifts.