Horses in the City

Horses in the City, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I really wanted to find out who the artist is who created these horses. I wanted to have a closer look. BUT... I was not allowed to approach. They are located next to the circular driveway which goes to the entrance to the National Art Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. Pedestrians have to stay on the sidewalk on the other side of the driveway.



So if there is a plaque naming the artist, I could not even try to find it. I did like these prancing equines, but could only get closer with the zoom on my camera :-(

24/08/12
A friend just let me know that these are by Joe Fafard - a wonderful artist from Saskatchewan. One of his cows can be found here.

June 4/10: Maman

June 4/10: Maman, originally uploaded by susanvg.

This enormous spider stands outside the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. In reading an article about the death of its sculptor, Louise Bourgeois, I discovered that Maman has twin in a number of cities around the world. The original work stands at the Tate Modern in London and is made of steel and marble. The siblings are bronze casts.

At 9 metres, she towers over anyone walking near her. According to the artist:

The Spider is an ode to my mother. She was my best friend. Like a spider, my mother was a weaver. My family was in the business of tapestry restoration, and my mother was in charge of the workshop. Like spiders, my mother was very clever. Spiders are friendly presences that eat mosquitoes. We know that mosquitoes spread diseases and are therefore unwanted. So, spiders are helpful and protective, just like my mother.

(See the press release from the Tate Modern)

I initially did not like this mammoth piece, but she has grown on me. And now, I smile when I pass by her.