Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Family

Just up University Ave from "Rising" which I showed you on the weekend you will find 2 large bas-relief sculptures at either end of what was the Bank Of Canada building. The 20 ft tall pieces were designed by artist Cleeve Horne and installed during the building's construction in the late '50s. This one is a semi-abstract representation of a Canadian family and the pieces themselves are significant for being the first abstract public sculptures installed in Toronto. My how times have changed!
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14 comments:

  1. Kay L. DaviesDecember 4, 2012 at 11:56 AM

    Times certainly have changed, but I can remember when abstract public sculptures were considered oh-too-avant-garde, as if they might encourage young people to become beatniks or hippies. Then, in time, that's what happened, but would likely have happened even if all public sculptures were still generals on horseback.
    K

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  2. LowellDecember 4, 2012 at 2:58 PM

    Powerful and dynamic. Love this!

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  3. HalcyonDecember 4, 2012 at 3:14 PM

    I have never noticed these, but I will pay more attention the next time I'm in the area. I like the idea of an "abstract" family. The traditional "family" is maybe not the norm these days. But I sort of like it that way.

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  4. ShaunDecember 4, 2012 at 3:24 PM

    I haven't had much dealings with sculptured art. But just looking at it from the amount of workmanship and vision from the artist is amazing. Thanks for sharing.
    Shaun

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  5. SharonDecember 4, 2012 at 4:41 PM

    This one is gorgeous, I love it.

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  6. DebDecember 4, 2012 at 5:44 PM

    Looks like a 50s Canadian family had aspirations! Great sculpture.

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  7. JackDecember 4, 2012 at 9:58 PM

    So, in the 1950s, Canadian families looked like they were made from Silly Putty?

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  8. LindaDecember 5, 2012 at 2:38 AM

    They seem either to be escaping from something (Europe?) or striving toward something - in a very patriarchal way!

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  9. AnonymousDecember 5, 2012 at 2:58 AM

    It certainly is one of those sculptures where the more you look the more you see!

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  10. EG CameraGirlDecember 5, 2012 at 9:32 AM

    Times really have changed, haven't they? I like 'Rising' very much.

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  11. Gerald (SK14)December 6, 2012 at 3:25 AM

    I like this a lot.

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  12. ArtandArchitecture-SF.comDecember 6, 2012 at 10:09 AM

    This is just gorgeous, I am sorry this art form has really died out because it adds so much to a giant stone wall.

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  13. Melbourne Australia PhotosDecember 6, 2012 at 3:12 PM

    We have similar style relief sculptures on the walls of Wilson Hall at University of Melbourne. They do look a little dated and awkward though...

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  14. William KendallDecember 10, 2012 at 3:47 PM

    I've no doubt seen these, walking through the area. I'll have to get another look next time I'm there.

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