2025
A memorial artwork commissioned by the City of Brampton to honour the life and legacy of William Grenville Davis, fondly known as “Brampton Billy.”
If ever there was a commitment to building a good foundation, it was embodied in the unique political figure and a giant of Ontario’s education system, William Grenville Davis. Our artwork aims to represent the fundamental character of Davis as someone who unlocked the secrets of building a working whole out of, more frequently than not – opposing political elements. Beyond pure politics and in the interest of ordinary people, he (who always said “we”) was reaching “across the aisle”, quality rarely found in current politics.
The positive/negative space interplay that is formed by a collection of abstract shapes gracefully evolves to reveal a silhouette portrait of Bill Davis – just for a moment and at a certain angle, offering a personal and intimate glimpse into an actual person behind Ontario’s fundamental transformation during his tenure. The dual imagery not only celebrates his individuality but also serves as a metaphor for the multifaceted nature of his leadership and public service.
The visual experience changes with patterns of sunlight throughout the day and across seasons. This dynamic interplay between the artwork and its natural environment serves as a living, breathing homage to Davis’s dedication to environmental stewardship, ensuring that the natural world he cherished continues to play a role in his memorialization. It’s a design that celebrates not just the person, but his vision of a harmonious coexistence with nature. It celebrates Davis’s legacy, not just as a political figure, but as a leader who touched and continues to influence many lives to this day and beyond.
Xiaojing Yan and Lilly Otasevic