Public/Realm Series.
The public realm is an evolving space of connection, creativity and collective presence; a space where culture meets community, where influence is shaped, where brands don't just exist—they belong.
At Public/Realm, we believe the meaning of a public realm is defined by those who experience it: a space defined by who’s moving through it, how they see the world, and what they choose to engage with. This series features a curated group of tastemakers—creatives, founders, and cultural contributors whose point of view influences culture in quieter, more lasting ways. Each contributor is invited to share a public space that holds meaning for them, offering a personal lens on how culture is lived, how communities gather, and how influence takes shape beyond campaigns or headlines.
Kirk Lisaj
Meet Kirk Lisaj, a Montreal-based photographer and image-maker whose work transforms the everyday into something quietly surreal. Drawing inspiration from nature, nightlife, and queerness, their images balance absurdity with tenderness, capturing the romantic edges of the human experience. With a background in social work, they approach photography as a compassionate practice — documenting people and moments with care, intention, and emotional depth across both art and commercial worlds.
Meet Kirk Lisaj, a Montreal-based photographer and image-maker whose work transforms the everyday into something quietly surreal. Drawing inspiration from nature, nightlife, and queerness, their images balance absurdity with tenderness, capturing the romantic edges of the human experience. With a background in social work, they approach photography as a compassionate practice — documenting people and moments with care, intention, and emotional depth across both art and commercial worlds.
Photo Credit: Claudine Baltazar
Q&A
How would you describe yourself? I’m a photographer and image maker based in Toronto. I work primarily with musicians and other artists, and my images focus on nature, surrealism and queer identity.
What is your favorite public realm, and where is it located? My favourite public realm would be Arcosanti, a small township in Arizona designed in 1970 by the architect Paolo Solari. The town was designed with the intention of being a self-sustaining ecosystem and residence that combats urban sprawl while maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature. The project ultimately dissolved as time went by with only a handful of residents still living there now, but it remains open to the public and is one of the most spectacular public spaces I have ever visited.
Photo Credit: Kirk Lisaj
How did you first discover this space, and what makes it special to you? When I first finished my undergrad, I planned a trip to visit Arizona with some friends. While I was doing research for my trip, I discovered a festival called FORM which took place in Arcosanti. The festival had amazing musical programming and took place in this idyllic location, so for me it was a no brainer to buy a ticket and make the stop. During my time at the festival, I found myself operating at a very slow and meditative pace, feeling deeply at peace with how far away I felt from any familiar urbanity and surrounded by endless desert landscape. I spent time learning about the history of Arcosanti, and felt moved by the project’s ambitions to be a space where nature and human civilization can coexist symbiotically. Visiting Arcosanti felt special because it represented a microcosm of what a functioning post-capitalist society could look like if we reprioritized our relationship with the land. I managed to visit Arcosanti again last year, and am hoping to return sometime in the near future.
Photo Credit: Kirk Lisaj
If this space had a personality, how would you describe it? I would say that Arcosanti has the personality of a relaxed, easy-going friend who maybe doesn’t talk a lot, but seems to always know the right thing to say when you’re seeking solace.
Photo Credit: Kirk Lisaj
Nadia Pizzimenti
Meet Nadia Pizzimenti, a stylist, creative director, and fashion editor with over 15 years of industry experience. Her work has appeared in Harper’s Bazaar, TIME, ELLE Canada, KINFOLK, and The Globe and Mail, where she is a Contributing Fashion Editor. Nadia’s work teases out themes of uniformity while challenging gendered design concepts, exploring how unexpected design can shape personal identity—resulting in imagery defined by unconventional elegance and an inimitable perspective.
Meet Nadia Pizzimenti, a stylist, creative director, and fashion editor with over 15 years of industry experience. Her work has appeared in Harper’s Bazaar, TIME, ELLE Canada, KINFOLK, and The Globe and Mail, where she is a Contributing Fashion Editor. Nadia’s work teases out themes of uniformity while challenging gendered design concepts, exploring how unexpected design can shape personal identity—resulting in imagery defined by unconventional elegance and an inimitable perspective.
Q&A
How would you describe yourself? I’ve always said I’m a bit of a fashion nerd. For as long as I can remember I have always looked at fashion from a spectator position, soaking up as much as I possibly could…not only on the runway, but from a photography standpoint as well. It makes sense that I fell into styling, because it combines my two loves fashion and photography. Getting to take part in creating an image is so invigorating to me, it still, after all these years gives me chills. Inspiration for me comes in all forms, maybe a song that takes me to a different place or time, or a person standing at a bus stop. I often look to the past, specifically from my own experiences or family’s experiences as well.
What is your favourite public realm, and where is it located? This is HARD! I think my favourite public realm is The Toronto Reference Library. I feel transported in time when I step into that building, it's one of the last iconic and inspiring buildings we have in Toronto.
Photo Credit: Arvind Krishnan
How did you first discover this space, and what makes it special to you? I first discovered it early on in my teens, a friend brought me and I was overwhelmed and overjoyed. So much inspiration to pull from whether it's from the books, or the building itself. I love being surrounded by books, and I love 70s architecture and design. If I could live in this library I would! What makes it special to me is that its a huge space, where thousands of people enter and exit, yet it feels so peacefully, and I always leave feeling full of inspiration and energy.
Photo Credit: Arvind Krishnan
If this space had a personality, how would you describe it? A chic architect in her late 70s, full of knowledge, wisdom, style, and wit.
Photo Credit: Stefan Williamson
Rebecca-Jo Dunham-Baruchel
Meet Rebecca-Jo Dunham Baruchel a.k.a. @youthin.asia, a Toronto and NY-based content creator, stylist, model, and actress whose career is rooted in creative reinvention. After building a full career in modelling and model management, Rebecca-Jo pivoted toward content and styling as a way to explore personal style beyond industry confines. Her work champions authenticity, self-expression, and the power of women creating together, a philosophy that extends into Small Town Boys, the sustainably focused accessories brand she co-founded with her best friend.
Meet Rebecca-Jo Dunham Baruchel a.k.a. @youthin.asia, a Toronto and NY-based content creator, stylist, model, and actress whose career is rooted in creative reinvention. After building a full career in modelling and model management, Rebecca-Jo pivoted toward content and styling as a way to explore personal style beyond industry confines. Her work champions authenticity, self-expression, and the power of women creating together, a philosophy that extends into Small Town Boys, the sustainably focused accessories brand she co-founded with her best friend.
Q&A
How would you describe yourself? A small town girl who moved to Europe.
What is your favorite public realm, and where is it located? My favourite public realm is the streets of the French concession in Shanghai, specifically at night while riding a bicycle, with the hot air cooling your skin as it rolls over you.
How did you first discover this space, and what makes it special to you? I was modeling in Shanghai, living in a small apartment in the French Concession. I would either walk or take the metro most places until a friend gave me her pink bike. The summers in Shanghai could be unbearably hot, so I often spent my days escaping the heat inside, enjoying the air conditioning while waiting for the sun to set. Once the temperature dropped, I would ride my bike around the city, running errands or simply soaking in the vibrant energy of Shanghai. It was during those rides that I felt the most free and truly myself—away from the days spent transforming into the creative visions of designers on set.
Photo Credit: Nazmi Azmir
If this space had a personality, how would you describe it? Loud, funny, kind and effervescent.