Five Sculptures on Topological Themes
This week’s featured large scale outdoor art is once again on Queen’s campus. Five Sculptures on Topological Themes is located just south east of Jeffrey Hall on University Avenue (across form Grant Hall).
The work is a group of sculptures made from a combination of materials: terrazzo, portland cement, marble chips and epoxy and created by Alan Dickson, professor of Fine Arts at Queen’s. Dickson emigrated to Canada in 1970 from England to teach at the university and the work was commissioned soon after by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in 1971 as part of an initiative to enhance Jeffrey Hall and its surroundings.
The forms are an investigation of the concept of infinity as represented by the mobius strip - a physical structure that is both three-dimensional and one-sided. In other words, you can run your hand along the entire surface without ever crossing an edge. This can be clearly seen in the above photo with the two large white pieces on pedestals. Go take a closer look!
Weekly Photo
This was just something i wanted people to see. Mother nature can still put on the best show. This was taken on my way home from the Charlie Pride show last week, and was taken on Front Rd. right in front of the Invista factory. I just thought the colors were amazing and had to pull over and grab. Enjoy.
Bent Yellow
This is the second installment of our look at large scale artwork in Kingston. This week’s piece is called Module No. 6 - Bent Yellow and was created by Canadian artist, Raymond Spiers. The work sits in the north courtyard of Duncan McArthur Hall on Queen’s campus and was commissioned by the Art Purchase Committee for Duncan McArthur Hall in 1972.
The story behind this one is pretty cool. Bent Yellow is one of a series of pieces in which Spiers attempts to share the creative process with the viewer. He created small, hand-held versions of simple, moveable forms which could be put together in various arrangements. The Dean’s Committee for Art Purchases had the opportunity play with the modules and to select the final arrangement of the sculpture. The work we see above is the enlarged replica of that arrangement. Of course, the large-scale version is not in moveable pieces like its miniature counterpart.
The work is a great example of the hands-on approach that was explored by many artists in the 1970s. The goal was to engage the viewers in the creation process. Bent Yellow is made of fibreglass over a foam core. Fibreglass was a new material at the time and was heavily explored by artists of this period. Seen as strong and lightweight, it was the perfect medium for this type of work. Go see it for yourself!
A Minute of My Time
This is the first installment of what I hope to make a weekly series featuring outdoor art around Kingston. There is so much of it, some of which we walk by everyday without taking the time to really look and ponder why it is there. I’d like to begin on Queen’s campus with the Agnes Etherington Art Centre. Read more
Art-Game
Artist Sandra Jass in collaboration with The Artel, has invited Kingston to take part in an art-game that will last 1 week. This new exhibition is part of Welcome HERE, a 9-month project of The Artel focused on enabling of a series of multidisciplinary art presentation and participation opportunities rooted in creative sharing and collaboration, and distinguished by communion with the Kingston community. Read more
Weekly Photo
Check out the above image, and a few more featuring local architecture in my portfolio. Comments are appreciated!
Kingston Studio Tour 2008
Take a tour of downtown Kingston and Barriefield and enjoy some great art while you’re at it. This weekend is Kingston’s 16th annual Spring Studio Tour. On May 3 and 4 from 10am-5pm you can stop by the many homes on the list to check out the work of some wonderful local artists.
The tour presents a diverse mix of professional handcrafted artwork including pottery, fibre art, jewellery, photography, clothing, furniture and more. Some featured artists include Sue Lyon, Arlene Cassidy, M. Bernadette Pratt, JT Winik, Andrea Graham and Adam Kropinski.
You can walk between a lot of the studios but a car or bike might be helpful too. Either way, take a rest between studios at Sydenham United Church where they will be holding their Springtime Salon from noon-5pm on Saturday and noon-3pm on Sunday. The Salon will display more artwork (some of which will be for sale) and provide live music while you enjoy delicious baked goods and other refreshments. Admission is free.
You can pick up a map of the tour at various art related businesses downtown or call 613-634-8800. They have a website too: www.kingstonartists.com
Graffiti Trick or Treat
As Spring has sprung, I’ve been spending more and more time outdoors, taking in all the sights and sounds of Kingston. One thing that recently caught my eye was the modest amount of graffiti, tags and urban art located in and around the downtown area. Although some would rightfully argue that this art form is illegal, incoherent and sometimes just plain ugly, it also has a few redeeming qualities. Specifically, graffiti can serve as a political vehicle for those looking to express their opinion, such as: Free Tibet, or Parks Not Parking Lots. What is more, extremely skilled artists have even been hired to spruce up buildings with their work, as is the case in the temporary garden space across the street from Atomica on Brock Street. Check out a selection of some of this (un)wanted valdalism in our new Flickr set. What do you think? Do you consider tags, graffiti etc… to be an essential part of Kingston’s urban landscape or not? Remember, each comment you make this month enters you into our draw for a great prize! Time is running out fast, so comment already.
Detection Services
On a recent stroll down Kingston’s main drag, I was drawn towards a small crowd that was gathered in front of the old arcade, located just down from the corner of Princess and Montreal. Since the arcade closed it’s doors a few years ago, the space has served as a temporary exhibition venue, whereby local artisans have been permitted to display their works over the course of a weekend. Most recently, people are being drawn to the building, which is displaying a different message that’s centred around a new business called Detection Services. Complete with official signage, and a loudspeaker that spouts random security announcements, this unique installation has got people talking. Read more
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