Stunning new visual art exhibit at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport unveiled for Pride Month

TORONTO, ONTARIO – Today, Nieuport Aviation unveiled a new art installation, This Light (Greater than the Sum of the Sun), by Toronto-based artist Joshua Vettivelu and curated by Noor Alé. This striking work of visual art is on view on the second floor of the passenger terminal at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

Commissioned as part of Nieuport’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of Toronto, the exhibit invites travelers and the public to reflect on themes of identity, belonging, and our connection to place—set against the backdrop of Toronto’s historic waterfront. This installation marks the first time Nieuport has commissioned an artist to celebrate Pride, but continues the company’s tradition of recognizing June as Pride Month and an important part of Toronto’s identity.

Vettivelu, whose work spans video, sculpture, and installation, is known in many of their works for exploring the complexities of citizenship and belonging in Canada. Their work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Trinity Square Video, and the Center for Contemporary Art in Glasgow.

“We’re thrilled to welcome This Light (Greater than the Sum of the Sun) to the passenger terminal at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport,” said Jennifer Quinn, CEO of Nieuport Aviation. “This installation reflects not only the inclusive spirit of Pride, but also our commitment to showcasing creativity, diversity and cultural vibrancy to the millions of travelers who pass through our terminal each year. We thank Josh for their partnership in showcasing this incredible work of art at Toronto’s downtown airport.”

“When I first created this installation, I was in conversation with people experiencing their first winter while navigating major personal and social transitions like returning to school, single parenthood, elder care, and more,” said Joshua Vettivelu. “These conversations often began with the weather but inevitably circled back to complex experiences of empathy.

“I began thinking about the effects of sunlight, and what longing feels like on a molecular level,” they continued. “What happens when we can no longer absorb something we expect to always nourish us? By splitting sunlight into its visible spectrum, I want to draw parallels to empathy. We assume both to be constant and uniform, but in reality, both are composed of multiple components that are only visible in specific conditions.”

This Light (Greater than the Sum of the Sun) is located on the public side of the passenger terminal and is available for viewing by passengers, employees and visitors to the airport.

About Nieuport Aviation

Nieuport Aviation is the terminal partner at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and is committed to world-class customer service for the millions of customers using the airport. In addition to managing the passenger terminal, Nieuport Aviation offers passengers a free bus shuttle service between the airport and downtown Toronto, helping to provide a seamless travel experience. Since acquiring the airport terminal, Nieuport has invested more than $60 million in terminal upgrades, including the recently opened Aspire Business Lounge for Canadian travellers and will soon be introducing a US preclearance facility. For more information, please visit www.nieuport.com.

Media Contact:  

Ryan White

Senior Manager, Communications and Community Programs, Nieuport Aviation

media@nieuport.com

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