Installation of "Walking Figures" in North Vancouver

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Magdalena Abakanowicz "Walking Figures"

Magdalena Abakanowicz "Walking Figures", 9' cast iron

The Vancouver Biennale and the City of North Vancouver are pleased to announce the installation of Walking Figures by Magdalena Abakanowicz on July 16^th and 17^th.  Once installed, this work will join The Meeting by Wang Shugang at Ray Sargent Park and the International Pavilion at the foot of Lonsdale to complete the Vancouver Biennale’s 2014 program in North Vancouver.  Join in as we transform Lonsdale into an Open Air Museum, and experience the “Walkannale/Walk Down Lonsdale.”

The nine-foot cast-iron Walking Figures creates an imposing tableau along Lonsdale Avenue between 23^rd Street and 13^th Street.  Abakanowicz, widely considered to be the world’s foremost female sculptor, has exhibited works from her signature figurative series in Washington D.C., New York City, San Diego and Chicago.  Deeply informed by her personal history as a survivor of war and strife, Abakanowicz’s work explores questions of identity and collective behaviour.  The iconic Walking Figures, previously installed as part of the 2009-2011 Vancouver Biennale exhibition, finds fresh meaning in its new sites along Lonsdale Avenue.

Continuing down Lonsdale to Ray Sargent Park at 21^st Street, the public is greeted by The Meeting, Wang Shugang’s constellation of eight crouching figures painted a vivid red.  “I am translocating Chinese reality to Canada,” says Wang, a pioneer of China’s politically-charged Cynical Realism movement.  First exhibited at the 2009-2011 Vancouver Biennale exhibition, The Meeting’s new configuration urges the viewer to consider the power of art to revolutionize public space. 

Colourful Biennale banners guide passersby alongside artwork installed by the City of North Vancouver as the walking tour culminates at the foot of Lonsdale at the Vancouver Biennale International Pavilion.  World-renowned curator Marcello Dantas has reimagined the historic Pipefitter’s Building into a cultural workshop with a focus on Brazil’s most significant emerging contemporary artists.  The 9,000 square foot Pavilion provides a timely look at the country that recently captivated international attention.

The Pavilion is open from June 24^th to October 19^th 2014. Public viewing is available through guided tours by trained docents. Call Biennale offices at 604.682.1289 to reserve, or put your name down at the Pavilion.  Admission by donation.

Report courtesy of Vancouver Biennale.