Rooftop mannequins in the Chinatown West Toronto 2 | Wall Art
Urban Oddity with a Sense of Humour
You don’t find scenes like this when you’re looking for them. You stumble into them—maybe during a coffee run, or while chasing a different shot entirely. That’s how I found this mannequin: standing bold, nude, and oddly confident on a second-storey balcony in Toronto’s Chinatown West, wearing a knit hat like it was winter’s runway season.
This piece is strange in the best way. The plastic torso, the bare arms posed in an almost bashful gesture, the hat—handmade, no less—pulled down just enough to conceal the mannequin’s eyes. It’s humour, mystery, and forgotten urban theatre all rolled into one moment. And it’s real. This isn’t a staged shot or installation—it’s just there, out in the world, holding court above the sidewalk.
The contrast of smooth skin against rough concrete, plastic limbs framed by garland and weathered railing—it’s an accidental harmony. And that’s what I look for when I shoot: things that aren’t supposed to go together, but somehow make sense in the frame. This mannequin has been out there long enough to crack and peel a little. The city’s marked it. But that only makes it better.
It’s part of a curious rooftop pairing—if you look just a few feet to the side, there’s another mannequin sitting, legs crossed, bonnet on, as if watching over the block. That shot lives in its own print: this rooftop figure’s companion. Together, they tell a quiet, slightly surreal story of forgotten displays turned guardians of the neighbourhood.
This image works as art because it doesn’t try to be. It’s observational, gritty, and a bit absurd. Black and white keeps it timeless, stripping away distraction and letting texture and form speak first. It’s the kind of wall art you hang when you want your space to feel curious—like there’s always something to discover.
If this kind of visual storytelling hits the mark for you, you’ll find more unexpected street narratives like it in my Artistic Wall Art collection. It’s a portfolio that embraces the odd, the honest, and the overlooked.
© Dan Kosmayer, 2014
Museum Quality Fine Art Prints
Enjoy museum-grade signed prints, free global delivery, and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Each fine art print showcases my passion for photography and exceptional quality and is hand-signed in pencil on the reverse side, and includes a certificate of authenticity and a lifetime warranty against fading, with the assurance of a full reimbursement within 30 days if needed.
The fine art prints are of the highest museum quality, printed on acid-free 100% cotton paper with a velvety, subtly textured, warm-tone finish. Archival inks ensure photographs with sharp precision, smooth transitions, deep blacks, intricate details, and vibrant hues.
Please note that frames are not included.
Free Worldwide Delivery
As the creator, I personally print, sign, and package every print at my studio in Haliburton, Ontario. These prints are then shipped worldwide via Canada Post free of charge. Therefore, delivery times can vary based on location, anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Additionally, when traveling and shooting on location, orders placed during these periods will be dispatched upon my return. This may result in delivery times extending to several weeks. However, rest assured that the wait for these unique pieces is well worth it!
