TORONTO-Visitors traveling to and from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport will notice a unique icon blending art and advertising. Toronto has become the 22nd international airport to erect a 50 foot tall outdoor sculpture of a hand holding a Samsung branded cell phone.

The unique structure is part of Samsung’s global and innovative “World In Your Hand” campaign that began in France’s Charles De Gaulle International Airport in 2002. Since then, similar sculptures have been placed in high-traffic airports including those in Paris, London and Dubai. Samsung also plans to expand the campaign to 35 more airports in the coming years.

“These impressive sculptures symbolize Samsung’s role as an innovator in the wireless market and our goal to bring people together through communication,” says Benjamin Lee, President, Samsung Canada. “Specifically in the Canadian market, this sculpture represents Samsung’s strong brand presence and our excitement to be a Worldwide Olympic Partner for the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.”

The sculpture can be seen by those traveling northbound on the 427 and those traveling on Airport Road towards Pearson International Airport. The sculpture was created by award-winning designer Jan Lorenc. Samsung has collaborated with other world-renowned artists, including Frederic Bruly Bouabre and Jan Lawrence, for previous airport sculptures.

Under an advertising agreement with the Clear Channel, the sculpture will remain placed outside the Toronto-based airport for five years.