Celestia by kleis: Where Cosmic Mythology Meets Contemporary Art

Celestia by kleis, Québec, 2024 © Em-P L`abbée

Celestia by kleis

February 14 – March 16, 2025
Opening Night: Friday, February 14 | 6 – 10 pm
Sankofa Square, Toronto
Free Admission | Daily, noon – 11 pm

In a fusion of digital artistry, Indigenous storytelling, and cosmic wonder, Celestia by kleis transforms Toronto’s Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) into a theatre of light and sound. This enchanting installation, created by kleis inc., invites art enthusiasts to explore the ancient myth of the Pleiades through a contemporary lens. Located at 1 Dundas Street East, this free exhibition runs from February 14 to March 16, and welcomes visitors daily from noon to 11 pm.

Why You Need to Experience Celestia by kleis

Celestia by kleis is an intriguing exploration of interconnected artistic disciplines. The installation features seven distinct structures, each representing one of the Seven Sisters from the Pleiades myth, each with their own carefully crafted combination of colour, emotion, and characteristics. This interactive multisensory experience weaves together literature, music, digital arts, and design, creating an immersive environment that challenges traditional boundaries between artistic mediums.

Celestia by kleis, Québec, 2024 © Em-P L`abbée

What sets Celestia by kleis apart?

What makes this installation unique is its deep cultural resonance, especially in its incorporation of Huron-Wendat cosmology. Through the contribution of Huron-Wendat storyteller Yolande Okia Picard, the project gains profound meaning and an essential Indigenous perspective. In Wendat tradition, the Pleiades mark the new year and the completion of a thirteen-moon cycle—a sacred time of renewal, forgiveness, and community celebration.

The technical execution is equally remarkable. Under the direction of Charlie Golf Tango and Thierry Dumont, with sound design by Jérôme Guilleaume, the installation creates an intricate dance of light, sound, and space. Poet Carolanne Foucher’s work adds yet another dimension, weaving poetic elements throughout the experience.

Celestia by kleis: Opening Night

February 14 | 6 – 10:30 pm
Light up your Valentine’s Day with something magical!

Come experience the grand opening of Celestia by kleis—an enchanting evening of free art and music at Sankofa Square! Experience an incredible lineup of live performances featuring Toronto and London, Ontario based musical artists Junko Daydream, Tara Kannangara, Lady Pista, NESS, Rosina B. Solomon, and Tyrone Traher. Plus, free hot chocolate and churros while supplies last.

Don’t miss this FREE immersive experience, running until March 16.

Celestia by kleis, Québec, 2024 © Em-P L`abbée

Credits

Creation, design and executive production: kleis inc.
Fabrication: Atelier Papineau
Technical and Interactive Programming: Charlie Golf Tango, Thierry Dumont
Sound design: Jérôme Guilleaume
Texts: Poems: Carolanne Foucher / Huron-Wendat Story: Yolande Okia Picard
Narration: Alexia Gourd, Carolanne Foucher, Yolande Okia Picard
Coproduction: Quartier des spectacles Partnership, ExpoCité and Sankofa Square, supported by the Cities Montréal, Québec, Toronto, London (Ontario) and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO
Distribution: QDSinternational
Executive Production, Touring: Jack World

Celestia by kleis is a co-production with Quartier des spectacles Partnership, ExpoCité and Sankofa Square, supported by the City of Montréal, the City of Québec, the City of Toronto, the City of London (Ontario) and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. Distribution by Quartier des spectacles international (QDSi).

To learn more about Celestia, the artist and designers, please visit www.sankofasquare.ca/celestia.

Sankofa Square
1 Dundas Street East
Toronto, ON M5B 2R8
www.sankofasquare.ca

Accessibility
Sankofa Square is an accessible outdoor venue.

Contact
info@sankofasquare.ca
416.979.9960