Bigger and Better than Ever, Bigger and Better than Ever 2, 2022
Neon and plexi
30 x 30”, 50" x 21.25"

In 1934, the Danforth Business Men’s Association organized a protest against what they called the “scourge” of fruit stores selling produce on sidewalks. Claiming these vendors violated a city bylaw, the association sparked a public debate about what kinds of commerce were acceptable in street space. As part of their demonstration, they attempted to parody fruit vendors by staging their own sidewalk-style display of goods. However, the gesture backfired, as many patrons welcomed the extension of commerce into the street.

The title Bigger and Better Than Ever comes from a remark made by a protesting businessman when asked whether the demonstration would return. Although intended to discourage fruit merchants from occupying public space, the phrase has since come to describe how immigrant greengrocers not only persisted but flourished along the Danforth. Today, sidewalk displays are an inseparable part of Toronto’s street life. Based on an early logo of Vincenzo Supermarket (2406 Danforth Ave), which hosted the project, Bigger and Better Than Ever is a small glowing tribute to local greengrocers.

Presented by Stories and Storefronts (curated by Charlene K. Lau and Negin Zebarjad).
Installation photos by Carmen Chen and IA Documentation.