Having grown up with a father who was a somewhat successful painter and having studied the subject as an elective during my university days, I cringe when the subject of public art comes up.
All too often it degenerates into a politically dominated discussion by “progressives,” with a large budget and no clue what constitutes art.
I’m a great fan of the painting, Sunset On the Adriatic. Widely hailed as a masterpiece when it first appeared, it was actually painted as a joke on the “expert” community. Its creator was a donkey with paint applied to its tail by a couple of artists, exposing the critics for what they were. Sometimes what you’re supposed to see isn’t there at all.
The current collection of grey rocks acquired by the town fits into that category. At the least, it got them out of Morton’s yard; I’m sure he’s thankful.
Forgive me, in spite of the lofty title given the sculpture, Desire To Be, the first time I saw it, it was obviously a man and a woman having a very good time. Nothing wrong with that, but let’s at least be honest here.
The accompanying block reminds me of a soapstone carving my son brought home from elementary school. But then, who’s going to get a good look at them, speeding by at 60 K and wanting to turn at the next intersection?
Recent controversies in Calgary have shown exactly what a farce public art has become. Usually it seems to benefit artists who are far removed from the scene and don’t even know where it will be exhibited. Guess it keeps them off welfare.
The blue ring caused head shaking at the waste of taxpayers' money: 400 grand for a blue steel loop that doubles as a light standard. But the extravagant work by a New York artist at the west side of Calgary takes the cake. Supposedly rife with Aboriginal meaning, it left even them puzzled and wondering why they weren’t consulted.
I suggest we take Morton’s rocks and locate them in a park somewhere where the graffiti artists, part of our vibrant art culture, can embellish them with real meaning and children can practise their rock climbing.
How about we come up with some public art that has beauty and grace, visible to all, not only the twisted minds of the art snobs?
Hans Ullmann,
Olds
