Limited Edition Fine Art Print in a Cozy Toronto Living Room...

When art finds its place in a home, it doesn’t just fill an empty wall; it transforms the space, telling a story and adding character to the surroundings. The latest installation of “After the Plague Party” — a limited edition fine art print by Toronto-based artist Rachael Grad — does just that, bringing a striking blend of drama, intrigue, and subtle emotion to a cozy living room in downtown Toronto.

A Bold Statement Art Piece

The artwork, an ink-on-paper creation by Rachael Grad, captures a deeply evocative scene that feels both contemporary and timeless. Using a minimalist yet powerful black-and-white palette, the print explores the tension between celebration and devastation, echoing themes of societal recovery after a period of turmoil. It's an exploration of excess, the aftermath of chaos, and the nuances of human behaviour when faced with the end of hardship.

The piece’s title, “After the Plague Party”, speaks to the moment when the world begins to heal — yet there's an unsettling quietness to the work. The fluid, sweeping brushstrokes invoke a sense of movement, while the stark contrasts between light and dark create visual tension that keeps the viewer engaged, even after extended viewing.

Artwork Beautifully Framed and Installed

This stunning print is part of a limited edition series, ensuring that it remains a unique feature in the home where it’s displayed. Beautifully framed and hung with precision by Elevator Digital, the installation was thoughtfully placed above the cozy living room fireplace, where it draws the eye and acts as both a focal point and a conversation starter.

The modern, sleek frame complements the piece’s bold aesthetic while allowing the artwork to stand out as the centerpiece of the room. Positioned strategically, “After the Plague Party” is visible from all angles of the space, making a powerful statement without overwhelming the room’s overall design.

See more artwork from my "After the Plague Party" art series here.

A Cozy Living Room with Art Above the Fireplace

The cozy living room, designed with warmth and comfort in mind, feels like the perfect backdrop for this intense and thought-provoking piece. The rich warm wood colours balance out the boldness of the art, creating a harmonious and inviting environment. The fireplace below adds to the atmosphere, casting a soft glow that complements the sharp contrasts in the artwork.

This thoughtfully curated space, with “After the Plague Party” above the fireplace, feels both inviting and contemplative. The cozy elements of the room — from the gentle lighting to the tactile softness of the decor — provide a comforting counterpoint to the emotional weight the art carries. It’s the perfect place for a quiet moment of reflection or a gathering with loved ones, with the artwork setting the tone for meaningful conversation.

The Perfect Complement to a Fireplace makeover

This home’s recent fireplace makeover was designed to create a more cozy, warm atmosphere, and the addition of Rachael Grad’s artwork elevates the entire living room’s vibe. The black-and-white tones in the print create an elegant contrast with the natural warmth of the room’s fireplace, balancing modernity and tradition.

The combination of “After the Plague Party” with the updated fireplace design offers a feeling of renewal, both in the space itself and in the narrative the artwork invokes. It’s a beautiful reminder that art can reflect life’s cyclical nature, and that sometimes, the aftermath of a hard chapter leads to a greater appreciation for the calm that follows.

The "After the Plague Party" Art Series

I began my “After the Plague Party” series in 2022 when I entered graduate school (again!) and began a Master's of Fine Arts. The After the Plague Party painting series looks back to past artwork to find a way forward after the COVID-19 pandemic. The initial painting in the art series was inspired by The Marriage Feast at Cana (1562–1563) by Paolo Veronese. I then looked at other monumental artwork and large scale paintings that were commissioned after historic and memorable plagues.

To form a new “After the Plague Party” visual art composition, I loosely painted from both personal and historical sources. As I paint, I change the humans, architecture and landscapes. In their place, I add animals, my children’s toys, and imaginary creatures and figures. The black ink on paper the brush marks are fluid and gestural, with some recognizable representational areas amidst the abstract. 

A Perfect Art Fit for Contemporary Toronto Homes

This installation is an ideal example of how contemporary art can breathe new life into  Toronto family house interiors. Whether you’re in the middle of a full home staging, a living room renovation, or simply looking to introduce a statement piece that will engage and inspire, “After the Plague Party” fits seamlessly into a wide range of decor styles — from minimalist to industrial, mid-century modern, and beyond.

Elevator Digital, known for their expertise in fine art installations, ensured the piece was hung to perfection. Their attention to detail and ability to enhance the overall aesthetic of the room is evident in how well the artwork integrates with the rest of the space.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a touch of sophisticated drama to your own cozy living room or home staging project, a limited edition print like “After the Plague Party” by Rachael Grad could be the perfect choice. The piece’s striking visuals and poignant message resonate deeply in a world still processing the effects of collective challenges. With careful installation and an eye for design, this work becomes more than just a decoration — it becomes a narrative embedded in the home.