Giants

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inChasingArt, Contemporary, OSGEMEOSTags:,

“Every city needs art and art has to be in the middle of the people.” OSGEMEOS

Vancouver Biennale - Giants
Vancouver Biennale – Giants
Vancouver Biennale - Giants
Vancouver Biennale – Giants

November has come and the glittering Christmas lights have made a grand appearance and can be seen from my window overlooking the Vancouver skyline.  I’ve been away from blogging for a few months engaged in many small adventures of daily life.  It is time to return for we have entered the rainy season on our side of the world, which means that hearth and home, a good book, music and a cup of tea are welcome company after a brisk walk around the Vancouver Seawall.  I am especially eager to share all of my ChasingART journeys. And what better place to start than with the Vancouver Biennalle, Open Air Museum, a non-profit charitable organization that exhibits great art in public spaces.  Their motto: “Great Art where people live, work, play and transit” allows everyone to participate and be inspired to explore their personal creativity.

Granville Island, which is situated in False Creek, was first known as a fishing area, before it turned industrial. Now, it is a tourist haven with over 250 businesses including a marvelous marketplace, Emily Carr University of Art & Design, Arts Club Theatre, trendy restaurants and a boutique hotel.   Ocean Concrete remains as a reminder of the industrial legacy, but not as you would imagine. This company has a creative flair with its concrete trucks that look like strawberries and asparagus.   Now, Ocean Concrete is the home of Giants.  And they are magnificent!

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

30 thoughts on “Giants”

    1. I was thinking of our grain elevators in Saskatchewan, which are no longer required and are being dismantled. They were beacons in a flat prairie. Did you link into video of the two brothers – OSGEMEOS (which means twins in Portuguese) They are from São Paulo Brazil. I love their outlook on creative endeavour. They exemplify “resilience.” Thank you for giving me that word for 2017!!!

      Like

      Reply

    1. I knew you would! I can just imagine you looking up at their smiling faces. Check out the OSGEMEOS website. I love their philosophy. Art for everyone! Art for life! Art for community! Art for renewal. Many hugs coming your way!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I am so glad you like my new template. It’s always fun to try something new and I like the way it showcased the artwork. I have become very interested in street art over the past few months, especially the transition from underground to main stream. It is art that wants to integrate into our lives, challenging us to participate, to engage, the live “big”. Banksy says it better than I could: “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” Heading over to your place – I see you have a new post!!! Hugs.

      Like

      Reply

  6. Ich freue mich, Sie mit ihrem tollen Blog hoffentlich wieder regelmässig lesen zu dürfen, Rebecca. Ein interessanter Bericht über Granville Island und über diese inspirierende Kunstmesse. Literatur, Musik, Malerei, Folklore und Tanz usw. brauchen wir Menschen, um unser Leben interessant und toll gestalten zu können. Liebe Grüsse Ernst

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Ich stimme voll und ganz zu. Ohne Kunst, Literatur, Musik und Tanz hätte unser Leben wenig Sinn. Wenn wir künstlerischen Ausdruck in anderen sehen, werden wir ermutigt, ihrem Beispiel zu folgen. Ich genieße unsere Diskussionen.

      Like

      Reply

  7. I took another look at your photos of the terracotta warriors, truly a art collection that brings joy even now. You posted those photos some time ago. We are so fortunate to have the means to save–thanks to the new technologies.

    Like

    Reply

    1. I was thinking of revisiting that art collection! I enjoyed running around Vancouver and taking photos of the warriors before they were auctioned off. It was a race against time. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  8. Enormously stunning. Extraordinary art for everyone! This, I believe, may be the next lasting and valued form of popular art. I am sure, beyond a shadow of a doubt that Monet, van Gogh and others of the great artists would be admirers. Thank you for sharing.

    Like

    Reply

    1. I agree with your thoughts on Monet and Van Gogh. They ushered in a new way of experiencing art and sharing ideas through symbols and colour. Sometimes, we like to canonize art; but there are so many possibilities that art cannot be contained. Certainly the size of this public art cannot be overlooked!! 🙂

      Like

      Reply

    1. We have a new generation of artists. Their insight into the artistic process and understanding of how art belongs to an entire community is truly inspiring. We cannot live without art, literature, poetry and beauty. And let’s not forget dancing. As Friedrich Nietzsche once wrote: “you must have chaos within ou to give birth to a dancing star.”

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I smile every time I stop by and wave to them. They stand tall, a reminder that art is for everyone. No one will be able to hide the Giants away in a private collection. Although I am not an expert in art matters, I have a feeling that most artists believe their art is for everyone. As Vincent Van Gogh once wrote: “I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.”

      Like

      Reply

  11. Becky, a warm welcome back! LOVE this!! And I adore the time-lapse, especially the view from the water side – the changing tides makes it look like the water is breathing in time to the music! And what fun the Giants are – such skill to create these detailed artworks on such a large scale. I could not quite tell in the video – are they all painted, or are some bits papered, a bit like a large advertising board? Either way they are stunning – thanks so much for sharing and I look forward to more posts to come! 😀💙

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. They are all painted! I am always amazed by the different personalities that are embedded in the individual giants. They look like they are having fun, are on some kind of adventure, and are asking for people to join them in the quest. They are a prime attraction at Granville Island. I have overheard some of the discussions of people who are transfixed by the enormity of the project. They are engaged!!! What I like most about public art: it democratizes art and challenges us to think differently, to try new things, to begin fresh conversations. Art is for everyone. Our communities are enriched by the presence of these displays.

      By the way, my next post will be about “Inspiring Impressionism” Daubigny, Monet, Van Gogh. Thank you for the suggestion to see this amazing exhibition. Hugs!!!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I so agree with you about public art, and thank heavens for enlightened authorities who allow it to be a feature of our urban and rural landscapes. Not everyone will feel confident about or inspired to go into a gallery, so making sure that there is art all around us is essential for societal well-being. Can’t wait for your Daubingy etc post – will be very happy to be reminded of that wonderful show. Xxx

        Like

      2. I agree wholeheartedly, Liz. I believe that we have come a long way in how we embrace public art. I am grateful for those enlightened authorities who have guided the process. And for the many volunteers who work tirelessly to share their knowledge and experience. The video on your blog post today was an example – powerful stuff. The Daubigny event was on of the highlights of our trip. Truly remarkable.

        Liked by 1 person

You're welcome to join the dialogue!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.