They represented this part of women's suffrage in Canada:
Sorry for the lens flare above.
This was an impressive park sculpture only a few blocks away.
My daughter-in-law added her foot for perspective.
This photo above was taken from our hotel room window. If you look closely you can realize its' actual size by taking note that the rectangle in the back right is a double door for the building behind it. It is the sculpture of a young girl named "Wonderland" and created by Spanish sculptor Juame Plensa representing youth and energy of Alberta. It was really beautiful even up close.
So, where is the controversy? There are several very large 6 figure projects which the citizens of Calgary are angry about. One is this brand new piece.
So, where is the controversy? There are several very large 6 figure projects which the citizens of Calgary are angry about. One is this brand new piece.
It can only be seen while whizzing by on the highway to Banff! Read more about this "Indian" tribute here:
There were at least two more art pieces that cost 6 figures (or more) and for which taxpayers were gobsmacked.
http://www.reddeeradvocate.com/national-news/calgary-mayor-weighs-in-on-controversial-art-piece/
Then there is THIS accident waiting to happen:
Taken from this article below---please read as it is kind of funny:
http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/calgary/when+attacks+city+pulls+sculpture+after+visitor+jacket+singed+reflected+rays/10276470/story.html
And then there was this which we passed every single day from the parking garage to our hotel. I loved it!
http://www.reddeeradvocate.com/national-news/calgary-mayor-weighs-in-on-controversial-art-piece/
Then there is THIS accident waiting to happen:
Taken from this article below---please read as it is kind of funny:
http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/calgary/when+attacks+city+pulls+sculpture+after+visitor+jacket+singed+reflected+rays/10276470/story.html
All interesting works of art. The tall ones reminded me of Avatar, but my favorite (for whatever reason was 'the painters'. Thanks for sharing, Tabor.
ReplyDeleteart is so subjective. for every person who hates a piece there is someone who loves it. we've had controversy in Houston about some of the % for the Arts installations as well.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, that is awful, singed jacket from a sculpture. It could have done serious physical damage.
ReplyDeleteI'm a artist. I would love for somebody to pay me six figures for a sculpture. However, a sale with a government that isn't where I live would be a no from me. I believe governments should buy big money art pieces from their resident art communities. If a private person bought and donated my art, then that's all right by me. I feel Art is global, but when it comes to using tax money to purchase art, then it should be buy local.
This was one of the many arguments about the art council's decisions.
DeleteDo they still have painted cows downtown?
ReplyDeleteI found Calgary to be quite a friendly place. When we first drove in, we stopped at a gas station and pulled out a map after filling up. Two different people came over to help, and one of them semi-escorted us to our destination, not far from that gas station. But that was 17 years ago, and that vibe may be fading.
Saw a cow painted bench...no others. Calgary has a bit of a rich oil city vibe...at least for me. Young professionals and tourists with money. There were some panhandlers, but they were very polite.
DeleteArt is so subjective that there's no way to get everyone to agree. As with Chicago's "Bean", i like the sculpture that had to be removed, but not everyone will. Now i will wonder if a decorative canopy over it would help.
ReplyDeleteEspecially like the painters. The giant head is incredible. Art makes a city so interesting! The cost is excessive considering the economy there tanked so recently!
ReplyDeleteInteresting and thought-provoking art. Thanks fore sharing.
ReplyDeleteFor sure, you can't please everyone. I have to applaud the fact that the city has such a program though.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun. I especially like the First Nations focused one. Yes, I am dashing out the door to have breakfast with a great granddaughter, but I will come back to read more. :)
ReplyDeleteIt took me a minute to realize that the art in the last picture is the painters! Or did I miss something? :-)
ReplyDeleteYou got it. I will try to find a better angle. But that was the meticulousness (for me) of this sculpture. The artist capture the working man in all his tenacity.
DeleteThere is always, every time, controversy about sculpture. I don't know why, but three dimensional works seems to reach a place in viewers that other art works don't. There is rarely a complaint about poems or essays. Paintings sometimes stir up the local politicians, but sculptures always do. The painters are delightful, and iron and stone work just fine. Personally, I think the shells are very dated in their appearance, but the interactivity is a great idea. Someone needs to sand down the inside and outside of that one.
ReplyDeleteI think it has to do with the money costs. When things cost a half-million or more, taxpayers get upset.
Delete..."when things cost a half-million dollars or more (and the taxpayers don't understand the piece), taxpayers get upset." :)
ReplyDeleteLoved them all. Thank you for sharing or I never would have seen them.
ReplyDeleteI would love for somebody to pay me six figures for a sculpture. However, a sale with a government that isn't where I live would be a no from me. I believe governments should buy big money art pieces from their resident art communities.
ReplyDeleteพี่มากพระโขนง
I think these art works are mostly very good. In public art I prefer things that are meaningful but not didactic.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your sharing your photos here as very interesting.
ReplyDeleteWe plan to visit Calgary next year. So happy to see this for I can add to what I want to see while there. Interesting post.
ReplyDelete