After months of vetting, U.K.-based artist Gerry Judah’s sculpture depicting a splash of water was selected by a local seven-member jury.
A 70-foot-tall steel sculpture called Spirit of Water will be the focal point of the expanded BMO Centre’s outdoor plaza.
Officials from the Calgary Municipal Land Corp. (CMLC) and Calgary Stampede showed off miniature models depicting the future $2.25-million public art piece on Wednesday, while also introducing its creator, U.K.-based artist Gerry Judah.
The sculpture, weighing more than 50,000 kilograms, will depict a blue splash of water. It was created using more than 200 vertical steel tubes, according to a city news release.
The process of identifying public art for the BMO Centre expansion first began in 2021, according to CMLC, garnering responses from 218 artists and artist groups from around the world.
After a months-long vetting process, 39 advanced to a review by a volunteer jury of 11 local experts in art and placemaking.
That was eventually whittled down to a shortlist of six finalists, who were then invited to submit more detailed proposals. Following several days of presentations and 14 hours of deliberations, the jury’s voting members recommended Judah’s submission.
“Public art has always been a big part of the thinking behind this project,” said Kate Thompson, CMLC president and CEO. “Because we are all starting to see the architecture come to life and getting so familiar with the shape and scale of this project, when we started and saw the design for this project and landed on the design … we knew public art in this 40,000-square-foot outdoor plaza would be a really key ingredient in the overall project.”
Judah is a U.K.-based artist specializing in large-scale sculptures and three-dimensional drawings.
Born in India but raised in London, U.K., his other pieces have been hosted at festivals, museums and in public realms across the United States, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates, as well as his own country. His online portfolio features sculptures that date as far back as the 1970s.
Visitors to the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex would likely be familiar with Judah’s stylistic designs. Over the years, he has created several large-scale sculptures for that festival on behalf of Ferrari, Porsche, Audi, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Ford, Rolls-Royce, Honda, Toyota, Land Rover, Alfa Romeo, Lotus, Mazda, BMW and Aston Martin.
Some of his other notable sculpture projects include Drift in Dallas, Texas, and The Scroll in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. That piece is 120 feet tall and was described on Archello.com as a “contemporary interpretation of the ancient Arabic scrolls — a single, spiralling sculpture that loops toward the sky.”
“It’s essential to everything,” he said. “Water and water symbols have also been an integral part of ancient societies and cultures. It further remains one of the most important elements of nature, and one that continues to hold its importance, both as a physical object and as a symbolic representation of various universal concepts.”
Spirit of Water will reflect “the power of water from above” as it splashes down and out, the artist added.
“I’m very proud for the opportunity to have worked with CMLC and the Calgary Stampede to bring this piece to life in such an exciting and important time for Calgary’s revitalization,” he said. “It is my hope that Spirit of Water will capture the spirit of this particular place in Calgary.”
The BMO Centre expansion’s public art budget of $2.25 million includes all fees and expenses related to fabrication costs, delivery and installation of Spirit of Water.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek said public art is the “narrative of who we are.”
“That’s why pieces like this are significant in our journey forward as a city that is future-proofing itself and making itself accessible to the world,” she said.
Local firm Heavy Industries will work with Judah and the BMO Centre project team to install the sculpture next spring.
The expanded BMO Centre is slated to open in 2024.
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver Island art community, a local art dealer has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. Calvin Lucyshyn, the former operator of the now-closed Winchester Galleries in Oak Bay, faces the charge after police seized hundreds of artworks, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, from various storage sites in the Greater Victoria area.
Alleged Fraud Scheme
Police allege that Lucyshyn had been taking valuable art from members of the public under the guise of appraising or consigning the pieces for sale, only to cut off all communication with the owners. This investigation began in April 2022, when police received a complaint from an individual who had provided four paintings to Lucyshyn, including three works by renowned British Columbia artist Emily Carr, and had not received any updates on their sale.
Further investigation by the Saanich Police Department revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Detectives found other alleged victims who had similar experiences with Winchester Galleries, leading police to execute search warrants at three separate storage locations across Greater Victoria.
Massive Seizure of Artworks
In what has become one of the largest art fraud investigations in recent Canadian history, authorities seized approximately 1,100 pieces of art, including more than 600 pieces from a storage site in Saanich, over 300 in Langford, and more than 100 in Oak Bay. Some of the more valuable pieces, according to police, were estimated to be worth $85,000 each.
Lucyshyn was arrested on April 21, 2022, but was later released from custody. In May 2024, a fraud charge was formally laid against him.
Artwork Returned, but Some Remain Unclaimed
In a statement released on Monday, the Saanich Police Department confirmed that 1,050 of the seized artworks have been returned to their rightful owners. However, several pieces remain unclaimed, and police continue their efforts to track down the owners of these works.
Court Proceedings Ongoing
The criminal charge against Lucyshyn has not yet been tested in court, and he has publicly stated his intention to defend himself against any pending allegations. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10, 2024.
Impact on the Local Art Community
The news of Lucyshyn’s alleged fraud has deeply affected Vancouver Island’s art community, particularly collectors, galleries, and artists who may have been impacted by the gallery’s operations. With high-value pieces from artists like Emily Carr involved, the case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist in art transactions.
For many art collectors, the investigation has raised concerns about the potential for fraud in the art world, particularly when it comes to dealing with private galleries and dealers. The seizure of such a vast collection of artworks has also led to questions about the management and oversight of valuable art pieces, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in the industry.
As the case continues to unfold in court, it will likely serve as a cautionary tale for collectors and galleries alike, highlighting the need for due diligence in the sale and appraisal of high-value artworks.
While much of the seized artwork has been returned, the full scale of the alleged fraud is still being unraveled. Lucyshyn’s upcoming court appearances will be closely watched, not only by the legal community but also by the wider art world, as it navigates the fallout from one of Canada’s most significant art fraud cases in recent memory.
Art collectors and individuals who believe they may have been affected by this case are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department to inquire about any unclaimed pieces. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder for anyone involved in high-value art transactions to work with reputable dealers and to keep thorough documentation of all transactions.
As with any investment, whether in art or other ventures, it is crucial to be cautious and informed. Art fraud can devastate personal collections and finances, but by taking steps to verify authenticity, provenance, and the reputation of dealers, collectors can help safeguard their valuable pieces.
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
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