Equilibrium Mural
This massive 23-storey mural by Spanish street artist Okuda San Miguel covers the entire exterior wall of the Parkside Student Residences at Carlton and Jarvis, making it one of the most striking pieces of public art in Toronto. The geometric figures, bold colors, and intricate patterns reward both wide shots that capture the full scale and tighter compositions that isolate individual sections. Shooting from across the street gives you the full vertical sweep, while moving closer lets you fill the frame with the abstract geometry and vivid color contrasts. An overcast day works surprisingly well here, as diffused light eliminates harsh shadows and keeps the colors saturated and even. A wide angle lens handles the full building, but a short telephoto lets you compress and isolate details higher up. The mural faces roughly west, so afternoon light can add warmth without creating deep shadow problems. (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
