Friday, February 10, 2012

"The Hippie" in High Park


1967 was not only the year of the International Sculpture Symposium in High Park but it was also the 'Summer of Love' and this sculpture in the park pays homage to that. By Canadian artist William Koochin, this sculpture called "The Hippie" even sports a 'Love' button on the jacket lapel. Enlarge the pic to see it. Those were the days!

17 comments:

Paul in Powell River said...

Well, like the saying goes, I was there, but I've mostly forgotten! :D

I would like to visit that park though.

Sallie (FullTime-Life.com said...

Aw -- I think I know this guy -- I'm sure he's visited Eugene Oregon ;>) (where it sometimes seems like the '60s are still alive and well)

Andy said...

1967 was Canada's Centennial. There were many government sponsored events across country. I wonder if this was one of them.

Jack said...

The Summer of Love. It is starting to come back . . .

Now, RedPat, you weren't there were you? A boomer, hippie or not?

Halcyon said...

I like this one! He's cool...

Mo said...

Jeepers is this how the hippie generation is seen here. Surely he is too old. This was a time about youth/.

Lowell said...

Those were tough days! I lived in the Chicago area in 1967...the civil rights movement was going strong as was the negative reaction to it. Mayor Daley called out the cops on the demonstrators at the Dem Convention in 1968 and told them "Shoot to kill!"

Cops actually dragged a pastor friend of mine (in his collar) from his front porch in the Lincoln Park area and beat him up!

People were coming to our church with guns because they were convinced the blacks were going to take over their church!

Hippies were despised by and large and had a tough time wherever they went. I think that's why they usually banded together to do their thing...whatever it was at the moment. They were, however, a rather bright light in quite dark times.

Okay, I'll quit now.

ArtandArchitecture-SF.com said...

Love Lowell's commentary! He is so right, I on the other hand was just thinking wow - bad hair immortalized.

Regina K said...

Those were the days my friend
We'd thought they'd never end.

Oh the good ole days.

Randy said...

Great sculpture. Reminds me of people I used to know.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

This great Red, he reminds me of one of our former Prime Ministers Bob Hawke haha!

Sharon said...

I don't believe I've ever seen a tribute to "Summer of Love" generation before. I'm glad to see there is one.

geoffsteen said...

That's one cool dude... man.

EG CameraGirl said...

Yep, those were the days. A statue like this makes me wonder how people in the future will look back on our current times.

Kitty said...

ha. And yet he looks so...well-groomed!
There is so much art to be seen in Toronto. My goodness.

LĂșcia said...

I want a "love" button too. :)

Stefan Jansson said...

Sure feels like a hippie.