Why can’t they just put out the bison? The only reason I can think of to not is if the artist objected to that. Otherwise, I think the buffalo without the fur trader could signify a more universal/inclusive history of the people on this land and their connection to bison, even before colonization. Truly a shame, it’s a great piece of art.
 
Seamusmuldrew said:
Why can’t they just put out the bison? The only reason I can think of to not is if the artist objected to that. Otherwise, I think the buffalo without the fur trader could signify a more universal/inclusive history of the people on this land and their connection to bison, even before colonization. Truly a shame, it’s a great piece of art.
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Yup, the Bison itself would be great, but I wonder if the Artist was against splitting it up?
 
Avenuer said:
Yup, the Bison itself would be great, but I wonder if the Artist was against splitting it up?
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All we can go by is the city's own release saying,

"The City of Edmonton has decided not to install artwork commissioned as part of the Walterdale Bridge replacement project."

And from the artist was this statement posted June 30 on his social media:

"This is not easy public art but meant to make one aware of this condition and choice. It is public art that speaks truth to power. So much public art makes no demand of the public. It is meant to provoke dialogue about history and the future. To this day, the work rots in a city lot."

The cost of the sculptures was $375,000, and they were completed in 2016.
 
Such a dichotomy - the province is funding a statue of Winston Churchill to be installed in Calgary... the city of Edmonton refuses to install artwork that shows the fur trade...which is a historical fact. I just worry Edmonton is straying so far outside the mainstream here... We're tripping over our own shoes trying to not make cultural faux pas while the rest of the province is on a totally different planet. Outside of a few super vocal voices, is there a real issue with installing this bronze art?
 
occidentalcapital said:
Such a dichotomy - the province is funding a statue of Winston Churchill to be installed in Calgary... the city of Edmonton refuses to install artwork that shows the fur trade...which is a historical fact. I just worry Edmonton is straying so far outside the mainstream here... We're tripping over our own shoes trying to not make cultural faux pas while the rest of the province is on a totally different planet. Outside of a few super vocal voices, is there a real issue with installing this bronze art?
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Vocal voices are still voices, and the specific voices also play a role in the response. It doesn't need to be an either or argument, there can be multiple options and responses. Political representation matters and while I admittedly know very little about the current representation in Calgary, historically Calgary has been more conservative than Edmonton, which could also impact how decisions are being made and where the province chooses to place a statue.

The national day for truth and reconciliation is coming up on September 30, which could also have played a role in the chosen response.

Just because something is a historical fact doesn't necessarily mean it is a good thing.

(sorry for the devil's advocate non-answer response).
 
Happy 5th birthday!

Walterdale-Bridge-56_highresrgb-2600x1919.jpg


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Edmonton’s New Walterdale Bridge Celebrates 5th Anniversary | DIALOG

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