As you may have seen, Calgary has many diverse art pieces located around the city. Some are vibrant modern pieces describing natural phenomena or the human condition, while others convey important messages about the past. With that said, today I wanted to highlight some of these artworks from different quadrants in the city.
Conversation
The sculpture titled, Conversation, is part of The Businessman Series by William Hodd Mcelcheran, located at the Stephen Avenue Mall. It is one of my favourite art pieces in Calgary as it depicts two business colleagues having a conversation. The unique part of this art installation is that it shows a person reassuring their colleague who seems unhappy. This piece is unique as it shows the emotions people experience, especially in a work environment. At the same time, the man’s colleague reassures him by lightly touching his arm, which reminds me of the importance of friendship. Overall, Conversation is an art piece that conveys a working person’s dilemma when facing difficult situations. Make sure to check it out if you are in the downtown area!
Self-Made Woman
Self-Made Woman is a carved art piece created by Paul Slipper, and it is at SAIT Polytechnic. I find this art piece very intriguing because it depicts a woman carving herself out of granite. Therefore, this piece has a beautiful and inspirational meaning behind it as it appreciates the effort, determination, and hard work individuals put into their work. Its placement at SAIT Polytechnic also brings light to careers in trade, technology, and the service industry.
Chinook Arc
The Chinook Arc is an interactive art installation in southwest Calgary. You can find it at Bob Scott Park! It is a modern art piece that responds to human interaction by displaying different coloured lights. This is due to the optical sensor that projects human movements and surrounding colours it senses. For example, if you wave your phone in front of the sensor, you can see an amazing light sequence play out. The artists behind the artwork are Joe O’ Connell and Blessing Hancock with Creative Machines. You don’t want to miss out on the opportunity of seeing this unique artwork!
Wolfe and the Sparrows
Wolfe and the Sparrows is a cast bronze sculpture by Brandon Vickers inspired by a statue of General James Wolfe by John Massey Rhind. You also want to note that General James Wolfe was an army general who led the British in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. When I first saw this sculpture in Inglewood, I thought it was a historical monument. But, I then noticed that multiple sparrows cover the figure, which dissolves the facial characteristics of a person. Hence, the sculpture depicts a symbolic meaning not a dedication to a historical figure. The symbolism behind the sparrows might mean power and the importance of community. But, in this case, it is up to the viewer to interpret the meaning.
Kawa’pomahkaiks
Kawa’pomahkaiks- Animals That Roam the Prairie, is an art installment in Forest Lawn showing animals that once roamed that area. The artist behind this installation is Adrian Stimson who is a member of the Siksika (Blackfoot) Nation in southern Alberta. In the Forest Lawn area, you can see the steel silhouettes of a badger, beaver, swift fox, and more animals in many different locations. I think this is an important artwork that commemorates the land Calgary is situated on, and the animals that were present in that area. Keep an eye out for these animal silhouettes the next time you visit Forest Lawn!
I hope that in the end, you have come to know more about the artworks that make Calgary unique. All of these artworks convey aspects that are true to everyday life and Calgary’s history. The best part about art is the deep connections you can make with the pieces based on life experiences and emotions you embrace throughout the process!