Art
Public art for a pandemic? What I learned by stepping into the light and observing a poignant sculpture in Vancouver – The Georgia Straight
This week’s cover story in the Georgia Straight focused on the impact that the pandemic might be having on our sleep.
Here’s what I discovered from researching this article: if we aren’t exposed to sufficient natural light, it can disrupt our circadian rhythms. That can lead to serious health problems over time, including depression, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
There’s an easy way to prevent this—get outside in the natural light for 15 minutes in the morning.
So in that spirt, I went out for a walk on Saturday morning and made another discovery.
I was strolling near the Drill Hall, home to the B.C. Regiment (formerly the Duke of Connaught’s Own).
Many readers will be familiar with this building, also known as the Beatty Street Armoury, completed in 1901.
There’s an old tank and cannon outside, appearing like anachronisms amid shiny Yaletown towers.
There’s also a pocket park immediately to the south that celebrates a great romance.
Until yesterday, I had never walked through this area, known as St. Julien Square.
Much to my surprise, I discovered that this pocket park includes a commemorative sculpture called Writing to You, installed in 2007.
Created by Canadian artists Yvonne Lammerich and Ian Carr-Harris, it features two bronze sculptures at opposite ends of a grassy area.
On the west is a trunk, with a letter on top. On the eastern edge of the square is a table with another letter on top.
It tells the story of a member of the B.C. Regiment, Maj. Lloyd G. Augustus, and his wife, Mary. They exchanged more than 800 letters while he was serving in the Second World War.
The table represents Mary at home with one of Lloyd’s letters. And the trunk depicts where Lloyd stored the letters sent by his wife.
The disrupted ground below the trunk and the smooth floor beneath the table demonstrates how different life was for both of them during this tumultuous time. The distance between the objects speaks for itself.
It’s a poignant work of art that drives home the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families.
It also left me thinking about the difficult times we’ve experienced during this pandemic.
So far, there have been 13,350 deaths from COVID-19 in Canada this year alone.
That’s almost one-quarter of the number of Canadian fatal battle casualties in the First World War from 1914 to 1918.
How will this agonizing period be reflected for future generations in the public arena for those who didn’t live through it?
What ideas will our artists have to show the heartache of those unable to be with their loved ones as they took their final breath?
How can sculptors showcase the brave and loving sacrifices made by our health-care workers and emergency responders as they rushed into danger in the course of their duties?
And where in Vancouver would be the best locations to place these memorials?
Outside local hospitals? In Stanley Park? Or in šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square on the north side of the Vancouver Art Gallery?
Let’s hope that once vaccines beat back this pandemic, city council takes the time to do it right—just as Lammerich and Carr-Harris did in exhibiting how love helped beat back the anguish of a bygone era.
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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.
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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