Michael Cho has been drawing Toronto alleys and laneways for six or seven years now, and his forthcoming D+Q book, Back Alleys and Urban Landscapes, is a collection of those drawings. As a Tronno native, the images inspire in me quite a fair bit of nostalgia for the Victorian row houses and ramshackle sheds of my childhood. Even if you're not from Canada's most hated (a.k.a biggest) city, however, the beauty of Michael's artwork is undeniable. The book is divided by season, and Michael's opted to use different color schemes for each season. The drawings are presented very simply, punctuated only by occasional comments on the place depicted or the techniques used.
Stay tuned -- the book will be in stores next month, and we're having what promises to be a 100% fun-guaranteed book launch (and exhibit of art from the book). For now, just save the date: Wednesday May 23rd, 6 to 8 pm at Type books (883 Queen St W) in Toronto.
