Orcas reimagined for sculpture near new bridge
A sculpture depicting orcas reimagined as 11 stylized surfboards will greet motorists, cyclists and pedestrians traversing the new Johnson Street Bridge.
The $250,000 sculpture, created by city artist-in-residence Luke Ramsey in collaboration with city Indigenous artistin-residence Lindsay Delaronde, is being designed to be interactive, with opportunities to play recordings of First Nations drumming and singing.
Ramsey told councillors the design is “shaped by simple lines and colour” reimagining the orca form.
“Viewing the sculpture from different perspectives offers many unique viewing opportunities showing movement and stillness,” he said.
The design, approved by Victoria’s art in public places committee, was also approved by councillors as part of about $3.6 million in proposed spending to landscape and finish public areas adjacent to the bridge.
The sculpture is to be on a triangle island created as the road splits on the eastern approach to the bridge.
Some councillors suggested that story boards be included.
“Just to look at it, I couldn’t relate to it as well as when the artist-in-residence described it,” said Coun. Charlayne Thornton Joe.
Coun. Margaret Lucas said hearing an explanation “really helped me to understand the whole concept.”
But Coun. Geoff Young said one of his ongoing concerns with public art is when it needs to be explained.
“The fact is that the great majority of people passing the site will not have the benefit of any explanation. They’ll see surfboards. They’ll think surfboards.
“I’m sorry. If I had my way, no public art competition would allow the artist to say even one single word or write one single word.”
The largest component of the bridge area work will be a new $3-million waterfront park in Vic West, on city land left over from straightening an S-curve road on the west side of the Johnson Street Bridge. The park, which would have pedestrian and cycling connections to West Song Walkway, the E&N Trail and the new bridge, would feature terraced landscaping, and provide seating and views of the Inner Harbour.
Councillors asked for a report detailing how the park construction might be funded.
Coun. Ben Isitt said $3 million for a small park in Vic West is too much all at once. But Coun. Pam Madoff called the new park “a city-wide amenity.”