You've walked past them. Probably taken a photo with at least one. Here's the story behind five pieces that define Calgary's streetscape.
The Conversation — Stephen Avenue
Two bronze businessmen mid-deal on Stephen Avenue. Created by sculptor William McElcheran in 1981, donated to the city by Norcen Energy Resources. People still debate what they're talking about some say a business deal, others a heated argument. McElcheran was known for his "businessman" series, with similar pieces across Canada. These two have become so iconic you can't really imagine Stephen Ave without them.
Wonderland — The Bow
The giant wire-mesh head in front of The Bow building. Spanish artist Jaume Plensa made it in 2012—it's 12 metres tall and shaped like a young girl's head. The coolest part? You can actually walk inside it through openings in the neck. Plensa said it represents "the architecture of our bodies as the palace for our dreams." Commissioned by Encana when The Bow was built.
Travelling Light (The Blue Ring) — 96 Ave NE
Calgary's most divisive sculpture. The 17-metre blue ring near Deerfoot cost $471,000 and even Mayor Nenshi called it "awful" when it went up in 2013. German art collective Inges Idee designed it to represent transportation—the wheel being the oldest form of movement. Love it or hate it, it's become a Calgary landmark. Has its own parody Twitter account and everything.
Centre Street Lions — Centre Street Bridge / Rotary Park
The OGs of Calgary public art. Scottish stonemason James Thomson sculpted the original lions in 1916-17, modelled after the lions at Trafalgar Square in London. They guarded the bridge for over 80 years before being removed in 1999 due to weather damage. The current lions on the bridge are replicas. One original now sits in Rotary Park overlooking its old home—kept in a state of "arrested decay" to show its age and history.
Van Gogh Monumental
The towering Van Gogh statue carrying a suitcase part of a travelling exhibition that's made stops in Calgary. The larger-than-life bronze depicts the artist mid-journey, a nod to his restless travels across Europe. It's become a popular photo spot downtown.
