On the merits, or otherwise, of the arts in public spaces
Re: Public art has its place — if we do it correctly, Aug. 2.
Bravo, Mr. Denley! My husband and I long ago made the deliberate decision to settle in Ottawa and we always loved its commitment to green space and access to beautiful museums, galleries, art centres and other outstanding institutions.
Now our city has invested in a rapid-transit system that is a standard in modern cities and I sincerely hope it will be embraced and expand quickly to our suburban communities.
I have been lucky to travel extensively and experience amazing transit systems worldwide. There are many important elements to successful rapid transit systems, but I’ve found that a commitment to good design and art is reflected in the most successful ones. For me, this is a no-brainer: It makes the commuting experience more pleasant and helps to inspire pride and respectful use of the system — by regular users but also by tourists and other visitors to our city. Linda Murphy, Ottawa
Don’t send public art bill to taxpayers
I have yet to see public art that really grabbed me, or hear from others that they were favourably impressed. City councillors who advocate for such expenditures should be aware that they are neither qualified nor mandated to inflict their tastes on us.
The city has plenty of clear and present problems on which to expend time, effort and an ever-shrinking budget. We still have sewage in the rivers every time it rains, dangerous roads and snow-removal deficits. Let’s concentrate on practical issues like these, rather than on urban decor. If there’s any budget left over, and we still want to “beautify,” plant more trees. Jack Pyl, Ottawa
An octet for Maman: Who says city is dull?
If you were a composer, what music would you create that would be suitably inspired by Maman, the iconic outdoor spider sculpture at the National Gallery of Canada?
Recently, an Ottawa Chamberfest audience was treated to a lively musical brainstorming session with composer Rob Kapilow at the gallery. Kapilow has been commissioned to write a piece for Chamberfest’s 25th anniversary in 2018 and has chosen Maman as his “muse.”
Will the piece incorporate the bells surrounding Maman (Peace Tower carillon and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica church bells)? Will it be played by an octet, representing Maman’s eight giant legs? Or perhaps eight choirs of five singers each, like Janet Cardiff ’s “Forty Part Motet” now playing in the Rideau Chapel?
Or could it be a nonet perhaps, adding a ninth voice to represent Maman’s head and eggs?
And what about Kumo? Could there be a musical role for that other, more “mobile” spider who recently left a mark as part of La Machine? Kapilow has said he’ll be posting sections of his composition online as it gets drafted, and looking for our reactions. Who says Ottawa is dull? David Rain, Ottawa
Proud of my church’s part in La Machine
Re: Archbishop defends giant spider’s perch atop Notre-Dame, Aug. 3. The Archbishop and the Catholic Church should be commended for participating in the La Machine event in Ottawa that brought such joy and excitement to thousands.
What better way to show that we belong to this great city and enjoy having some fun putting smiles on faces! As a Catholic, I was proud of my church last week! Nona Nalley, Orléans
For me, this is a no-brainer: It makes the commuting experience more pleasant and helps to inspire pride and respectful use of the system — by regular users but also by tourists and other visitors to our city. — Linda Murphy, Ottawa.