What is public art?

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Penguin Sculpture on Clark Drive

What is public art? Poodles, penguins or devils? Does art have to cost $100,000? Or can it be free?

A sculpture of a penguin appeared overnight in a small parkette on Clark Drive. This piece will most certainly generate discussion. The artist is unknown and it was not commissioned by the City. Should this piece be left alone by the City? We’ve included several photos of the sculpture below (photos taken on September 30, 2014). [Update: the statue has been removed]PenguinClark Drive across from North GrandviewClark DriveSkytrainPenguinPenguinBack of penguin sculpturePenguinSkytrain

Updated: The penguin statue is no longer in the parkette. Photo on left taken after 10:40pm, Sept 30, 2014
Penguin and no penguinno penguiin no penguin, Skytrain in backgroundClark Parkette Clark Drive Parkette

For comparison, the sculpture of a Poodle installed at Main Street and 18th Avenue reportedly cost $97,600:
Poodle on a stick Poodle on a stick

 

One thought on “What is public art?”

  1. Leave it alone, the city did a terrible job of installing the original piece there. The Italians eventually took it and installed in a more appropriate setting in the Italian Gardens at Hastings Park.
    Public art is what is missing in this city !

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