This specific graffiti is known by many who ride on the Line 3 RT (Rapid Transit) train in Scarborough. Personally, I cannot recall the amount of times I have seen it while traveling — having seen it my whole life while riding the RT.
This graffiti was created by a member of the “Graffiti Knights” named “Sady”. However, the exact year that it had been made remains speculative between many Scarborough natives.
The graffiti is located outside the Lawrence East SRT (Scarborough Rapid Transit) station. The words “EAST SIDE” is plastered on the wall to represent the geographic location of where it is placed — the east end of the city of Toronto. The meaning of the other artwork surrounding the phrase is unknown, but is possibly related to the Graffiti Knights or was specifically spray-painted to represent the area of Scarborough at that time.
I enjoy seeing this mural while traveling on the RT because it had been there all my life; I am always reminiscent of old memories when I see this mural in person. I also enjoy this mural because it serves as a burst of color during gloomy days while on the RT.
Bibliography
K, Karolina. “An Introduction to Toronto’s Street Art and Graffiti.” Vandalog A Street Art Blog, 29 June 2013, blog.vandalog.com/2013/06/11/an-introduction-to-torontos-street-art-and-graffiti/#more-35686.
Korducki, Kelli. “Placemaking: The East Side Mural.” Torontoist, 24 July 2012, torontoist.com/2012/07/placemaking-the-east-side-mural/#:~:text=Roulston guesses that the mural,the city’s street art subculture.&text=It’s a tribute to an,of the city’s east end.
