Proposed public art installation sparks debate in Victoria
VICTORIA — A new public art installation proposed for Victoria has sparked debate over the merit and interpretation of city-funded artwork.
British Columbia artist Luke Ramsey defended the inspiration and design of the sculpture that incorporates a series of colourful surfboard-type arches mimicking the silhouette of an orca at city council last week.
The $250,000 sculpture compliments an interactive sound element of First Nations drumming and singing created by the city’s Indigenous artist-in-residence Lindsay Delaronde.
The art will be installed near the city’s downtown waterfront, and Councillor Ben Isitt questioned the simplicity of the sculpture and its ability to reflect the Indigenous history of the land.