Winner chosen for Century Street Parkette public art competition

Hooman Mehdizadehjafari, an award-winning Iranian-Canadian visual artist and designer based in Vancouver, won the Century Street Parkette public art competition for his Convergence" installation, the city announced Friday.

Mehdizadehjafari's design was one of five shortlisted pitches for the competition, which received 40 submissions.

The artist will receive $120,000 to complete the project for the Gibson and Landsdale Area neighbourhood.

Convergence will be installed at the corner of Wentworth Street North and Wilson Street by the end of 2022.

Mehdizadehjafari described his stainless steel - an homage to local industry - and wood design as an abstract art bench that moves along the outer borders" of the parkette's central oval-shaped area.

Convergence represents the coming together of ideas and expertise from multidisciplinary backgrounds in order to achieve a common goal for the betterment of the larger community," he said.

The Century Street Parkette public art competition jury said this installation could serve multiple generations, from students meeting to family and community groups.

Since 2010, the City of Hamilton's public art program has awarded 54 public art commissions, which helps strengthen the city's visual identity, the economy, tourism and community pride, the city said in a release.

Alessia Passafiume is an intern reporter with The Spectator. Reach her via email: apassafiume@thespec.com