hto park toronto

This is why there's a bunch of concrete circles next to Toronto's waterfront

If you've strolled past Toronto's waterfront lately, you might've noticed several circle sculptures spralled across HTO Park West.

The mysterious carbon-capturing sculptures are part of an art installation titled "Atmosphere is Always Still Being Made" by interdisciplinary Canadian artist Lisa Hirmer.

The project explores the critical theme of climate change through three temporary installations and performances at the city's waterfront.

This first installation is part of the Toronto Waterfront Artist Residency for 2022 and is meant to offer a space of contemplation around climate change.

The sculptures are said to continuously absorb carbon dioxide, and just by simply breathing in and out, you can impact the installation.

"As your breath joins the air between you and the sculpture, some of the carbon in your exhalation is likely to become part of the sculpture," reads the installation's website.

Over time, the sculpture made from lime concrete, olivine, straw, graphite and charcoal will harden to carbon absorption, and become limestone.

"This means that breath becomes air, which becomes sculpture, which becomes geology - a reminder that we live in exchange with the atmospheric and geologic conditions of this planet," says the website.

You can view the sculptures at HTO Park West starting now until October.

Lead photo by

Waterfront BIA


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Arts

The AGO remains closed indefinitely as strike drags on

Giant glowing wall will divide busy Toronto destination from Gardiner Expressway

Mean Girls the Musical is coming back to Toronto this summer

Toronto organization behind annual holiday street festival facing financial challenges

A massive interactive floating arch that glows at night is coming to Toronto

Toronto museum with confusing and often misspelled name is changing it

People from Toronto can now apply to live out their dreams working for Disney

Lake Ontario to be dyed bright pink for Toronto art installation