From a giant nose, a salmon made out of horseshoes to commentary on women’s oppression, this year’s public sculpture exhibition in Penticton is grabbing some well-deserved attention. If you haven’t taken a walk along Lakeshore Drive or up near City Hall to see what all the hub-bub is about — you should.
The 2022 art installations showcase eight pieces that dabble in all sorts of mediums from bronze to metal and multi-media. Kamloops artist William Frymire’s ‘Reflect and Connect’ metal orb is drawing plenty of intrigue this weekend, as passersby couldn’t resist looking through the ball into the middle and finding more inside.
All the sculptures are created by B.C. artists including Kaleden’s own Jean E. Ouellon’s “Pearl and Pandemic Salmon” made out of horseshoes. Ouellon said he worked on the salmon during
At the opening May 21, walking maps were distributed and artists were at their sculptures for the community to meet and ask questions about each piece.
From artist of “Reflect and Connect” he said his sphere focuses on ‘our interconnectedness and how individual perspectives shape our experiences. The textures and images on the orb represent personal viewpoints that cloud, or colour, our ability to see the world, represented by a reflective stainless steel orb.’
Another sculpture that is gaining lots of attention is Vancouver artist Ron Simmer’s ‘What Does the Nose Know’ located beside City Hall.
It almost looks as if the large nose and tinted glasses are hovering in mid-air.
According to Simmer’s “What does the Nose Know?” comments on the “nosiness” of corporations manipulating social media in our society. The dark lenses convey the element of secrecy and paranoia that seems to permeate all levels of government, military and industry in North America. “Big Brother is spying on us!” the artist wrote.
What satirical art piece has graced such iconic locations like Granville Island.
Another powerful piece along Lakeshore is Listen by Vancouver artist Stephanie Robicheau.
It almost looks as if it’s layers of Plexi-glass with two very striking images on either side.
“This piece expresses how the female voice has been oppressed, and endeavours to inspire women to speak, be heard and understood, and illuminates the courage needed to do so,” said Robicheau about her piece.
Established in 2016, Penticton’s Public Sculpture exhibition is a year-long event designed to showcase sculptures outdoors for the community to enjoy. This year’s exhibit will be on display from May 2022 to April 2023.
Kyle Thornley’s pine cones of “Ancient Wisdoms” will remain in the roundabout from last year.
To see each artists bio, a picture of their sculpture and a map where each one is located, click here.
READ MORE: New Penticton lakeshore sculptures find art within art
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