Costa Rica provided the Toronto trade some precious moments of serenity last week when tourism officials showcased a photographic exhibit offering captivating images that highlight the diverse landscapes and rich human stories of the Central American nation – uniquely centred on the image of a red chair that inspires the notion that the viewer controls their own destiny and could be sitting in it.

Trade partner guests previewed the exhibit – currently being displayed at Toronto Pearson Airport – alongside creators Randy and Spencer VanDerStarren, the father and son photographer duo behind Take Your Seat, which produced the exhibit, with each frame “serving as a window into the soul of Costa Rica.”

Advocating cultural exploration through immersive destination photography, Take Your Seat work with Toronto Pearson airport to provide travellers with a cornerstone gallery that offers the only artwork in high-traffic areas such as Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. Each installation is designed to humanize the airport experience, allowing travellers to have a moment of calm amidst the often-hectic airport process.

In the case of Costa Rica, the series takes viewers from the country’s “lush rainforests teeming with biodiversity to its pristine beaches bathed in golden sunlight.”

It’s estimated that over nine million people will be passing through Terminal 1 during the time in which Costa Rica is being showcased in both US security pre-clearance, and after security screenings on six digital 4K LED screens. Costa Rica will also be showcased when renovations have been completed at Terminal 2 (the Interfield Concourse), with a large canvas mural and dedicated gallery.

“At Take Your Seat, we are constantly inspired by the challenge set forth by The Greater Toronto Airports Authority to create photographic installations that authentically capture the beauty of our planet,” said Randy VanDerStarren. “Our director’s chair is in every photograph as a reminder that you are in charge. Each choice you make can lead to embracing each other, taking care of this beautiful and fragile planet of ours, and living your best life.

“In our recent expedition to Costa Rica, ‘Pura Vida,’ even before we understood the words, has always been a part of our work. We now get to share our Take Your Seat Costa Rica series with millions of travellers with the hope that they become as inspired as we are.”

The unique photographs can also be viewed at TakeYourSeatOnline.art.

“What better place to capture the attention of eager, attentive, and occasionally frazzled travellers than amidst the security queues of Terminal 1?” said Costa Rica Tourism Board Director of Marketing Carolina Trejo said of the partnership. “They encounter idyllic beaches and verdant rainforests. It’s a time for serenity amid the chaos of international travel, prompting thoughts of future destinations and a subtle nudge towards booking their next flight.”

She added, “We are a small country, blessed with nature (and) protecting it is in our DNA… It’s the opposite of hectic; we take it slow – if you can’t do it today, there’s always tomorrow. It’s an oasis in a happy place… and you just have to go there to understand it.”