Public Art

I know this was going on during the Olympics and I’m late to the party since this art installation  has now ended its run. However, it was so clever and convincing that it warrants a mention. The piece titled “Fire With Fire” by Montreal artist Isabelle Hayeur was on display at 112 West Hastings until the end of the Olympics. For those that missed it, here is a video of the installation.

This piece by Korean artist Choi Tae Hoon is titled “Skin of Time” and sits in Coal Harbour at the end of Bute Street in Harbour Green Park. The location will be remembered by many Vancouverites as the famous upside down church was once on display there. This piece is part of the Vancouver Biennale.

Finally one this city’s beautiful building gets some love. Now it doesn’t get lost at night due to a lack light in that neighbourhood. The ice lights will be a permanent ‘art’ installation, one of the many legacy art projects of the 2010 Winter Olympic games.

If you are a Richmond resident, no doubt you have probably seen these three gigantic heads, which were recently installed along No. 3 road (close to Lansdowne Mall). These heads are the latest addition from the Vancouver Biennale in Richmond. The others include an addition at YVR and the giant controversial Lenin/Mao statue.

Absolut Vodka selects Vancouver glass artist Braden Hammond as one of the 5 finalists in a competition to win $120,000 which is to be used to make a dream art project that will leave a lasting legacy to the Vancouver arts scene. The Absolut Vancouver competition runs until mid March 2010 and calls for BC residents vote online for their favorite art project proposal. Absolut Vancouver is an amazing platform for local artists to get international exposure as well as much needed funding. Continue reading for our interview with Braden.

Controversial or not? It is a statue of Lenin and Mao after all and yes Mao was an evil tyrant, but that is the extent of my knowledge on this particular piece. Any further insights loyal readers of The Buzz? It’s art and as such it is open to interpretation, criticism and praise. I think its actually quite neat.