Art
New Richmond public art to be revealed after long delays
A public art piece originally planned to be completed in 2019 will finally be unveiled at the end of this month.
Three tall cattail-shaped objects were recently spotted atop a staircase on Hollybridge Way, just beside the Richmond Olympic Oval. Under the silver wrapping are the three components of Vancouver artists Charlotte Wall and Puya Khalili’s Typha.
The new art piece had been five years in the making since it was endorsed by the city council in 2018. It had a budget of $320,000 from the Oval Precinct Public Art capital budget.
According to city spokesperson Kim Decker, the total cost of the project will be closer to $340,000 due to “inflation and rising costs.”
At the time, Wall had hoped it would be done by the summer of 2019.
In an artist salon at the Richmond Art Gallery (RAG) held in June 2021, the artists explained that the project was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The sculptures, which are fabricated by hammering sheets of metal into the desired form, had to be made in China as it was one of the only places in the world with experts in the field. Although most of the project was locked and loaded by the time COVID-19 hit in 2020, the artists had no choice but to wait as China ground to a halt in efforts to get the pandemic under control.
Casting, said Wall, was not an option as it would “create a much heavier piece that would also be compromised in terms of structure.”
“It was just a matter of waiting until China could get going,” she said.
But the wait might be over soon. According to Decker, the piece is expected to be completed by the end of March.
“Typha will mark the completion of the Oval Precinct and Surrounding Area Public Art Plan, making the area an important collection of a number of high-profile and diverse works of public art in Richmond,” she said.
Typha as a motif
The metal sculptures mimic the way the plant grows and are made of stainless steel with a mirror-like finish. The interiors are painted golden yellow and will glow warmly when it lights up in the evenings.
A bench will also be placed in the area.
The typha was chosen as a motif as it is an indigenous plant in the area with a long history in Indigenous culture. It is also usually seen around water.
“… we wanted to sort of use this plant as a symbol for this existence of water and to talk about the (Fraser) river,” explained Khalili at the 2021 RAG event.
Although some councillors were initially concerned about the sculpture’s location, as it will partially obstruct the view of the river, it seems that it is here to stay.
“A major artwork at this landmark location provides an opportunity to reveal the connection of Richmond to the Fraser River estuary and Pacific flyway,” explained Decker.
– With files from Maria Rantanen
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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.
Blaze in the West Wing
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.
About Somerset House
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.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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