But… is it Art?

This seems to be the question being asked indirectly when people call in to the city complaining about the site specific art installation on the dyke.

This piece is the work of Brandon Vickerd who is in residence at the KIAC artist in residence program. He is contributing to an aspect of the Riverside Arts Festival called the Natural and Manufactured. This is a yearly event that invites artists of varying disciplines to a “re-examination of the cultural, physical and economic values imposed on the environment.” I’m quoting from the Arts Festival program.

Town council did approve this temporary installation along with other activities along the dyke. Obviously, the site will be returned to its original state and either re-seeded or new sod laid down. Although, I have to say I was taken aback somewhat when I first saw the extent of the excavation. It does seem a bit on the intrusive side, shocking actually. But it certainly is attracting attention, both positive and negative. And I do worry about the liability issue when someone falls in the ditch and breaks a leg.

Some are saying, “Why are we required to observe historic guidelines in town when this kind of ‘garbage’ is allowed to be placed in an area that everyone sees when driving into town?”

Others say they love it because it signals a dynamic community of artists ready to challenge entrenched ideas about what constitutes one’s relationship to the landscape, etc., etc. (An intellectual exercise involving a lot of ‘art speak’)

Our community attracts all kinds. Over the last decade there has been a localized effort to attract young creative people via the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture (KIAC) and the new School of Visual Art (SOVA). We are now reaping the rewards or as some detractors might say – consequences – of these initiatives.

Personally, I’m all for freedom of expression as long as it doesn’t grievously harm anyone or anything.

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