By Erik Floren

Sculpture is big in Edmonton

Big sculpture.

Big steel-welded abstract sculpture in the cubism tradition began by Pablo Picasso almost a century ago.

Too bad it’s one of Edmonton’s best kept secrets.

“I don’t think the public is familiar enough with the art form,” says Ryan McCourt, a local sculptor whose works are among those currently on display at the Provincial Museum of Alberta.

“People should come out and see this. I think they might be surprised,” said McCourt.

Big Things–the North Edmonton Sculpture Workshop’s first invitational exhibition–offers the public a rare opportunity.

Why?

Collections of big steel sculptures are difficult to stage because the works are large and heavy and costly to transport. But Big Things erected nine large abstract steel sculptures by seven local contemporary artists just outside the front door of the provincial museum. It’s the first time the museum has displayed a sculptural exhibition of this magnitude. The collection can be viewed until Sept. 29.

“You would not find this many high-level sculptures (together) in any other city,” said McCourt.

“This is what’s going on in sculpture right now. It’s one of Edmonton’s greatest strengths,” said McCourt. “That’s the purpose of this (exhibit). We’re trying to educate the public that there is contemporary sculpture being made in Edmonton right now, and to consider it.”

Featuring internationally established artists as well as serious emerging sculptors, “Big Things seeks to expose the public to the richness and diversity of contemporary sculpture in steel, while encouraging a critical dialogue between artists,” said McCourt, a founding member of the North Edmonton Sculpture Workshop (NESW).

“Edmonton has quite a legacy of ambitious sculpture. A lot has to do with Peter Hide (professor of sculpture since 1977) at the University of Alberta and his abstract sculpture program.”

McCourt, who studied under Hide, said his former professor was, in turn, a student of Sir Anthony Caro.

“Picasso started the investigation into steel sculpture and from there it was carried on by David Smith and Caro - and Hide on from there,” he said.

Indeed, the British-born Hide is one of the world’s foremost practitioners of welded-steel sculpture. His works are featured in important private and public collections throughout North America and Europe.

And the outdoor exhibition at the provincial museum features work by seven of his former students.

Edmonton has long been a boon to steel sculptures, patroned by a booming oil economy and nurtured by the U of A’s fine arts program. As well, “there’s abundant steel; it’s an industrial town,” explained McCourt.

Prices fluctuate for these majestic works of art. “Peter (Hide) is in the top range of the market. Sculptures this size can go for $40,000.”

His work on display, Radiant, resembles a walking figure swaying and is classic Peter Hide, said McCourt.

As for his own work, McCourt, who produces 10 pieces a year, said he’d “be lucky if I sold one” in that time frame. His prices “are always negotiable.”

All the sculptures on display at Big Things are for sale.

“Make us an offer,” he laughed.

Artists on display – all whom are locals, by the way – (besides the aforementioned Hide and McCourt) are Ken Macklin, Royden Mills, Susan Owen Kagan, Mark Bellows and Andrew French. Only Mills didn’t study under Hide.

McCourt, 27, studied art at the University of Alberta and earned his graduate degree in 1999. He has served as the artistic co-ordinator  for Art Expo 2001, and as a guest curator for the Edmonton Art Gallery.

His two works displayed are The Moment You’ve Been Waiting For – which, despite its dramatic name, is quite calming to view – and the bubbly Spanish Castle.

NESW was begun this March by McCourt and two other local artists Bellows and French. It is a co-operative studio project designed to foster the creation and promotion of ambitious contemporary sculpture. McCourt says most local galleries are ill-equipped to display the large-scale work made by our artists. To get the public to view their works, sculptors find themselves banding together to produce exhibitions in alternative venues. Such as Big Things.

“It’s also just plain hard to make this work. It’s physically demanding. Financially you need the equipment of an industrial show on the income of an artist,” he laughed.

So why are certain artists drawn to creating big things? “It’s interesting to make things that are larger than you because of their presence. It demands your attention.”

Julie Calderbank, communications co-ordinator for the Provincial Museum of Alberta, was excited about the display. “They’re so touchable. You just want to run your hands over them.”

Calderbank found the Almost Whole work by Mills “very contemplative” to just sit and gaze at.

“Hats off to Ryan McCourt for taking the initiative to submit a proposal to the Provincial Museum of Alberta for this exhibition,” she said.

“It’s definitely of mutual benefit. It provides great exposure for the artists of the NESW and for museum visitors. It’s a unique surprise – never has our terrace looked so attractive!”

“Visitors to the museum can make a day of it by viewing Big Things, strolling the gardens and grounds, even enjoying a takeout picnic from the Museum Café.”

It doesn’t cost anything to view the sculptures. And visitors can pick up an information handout (describing the sculptures and artists) at the information desk.

So go on out and judge for yourself. Marvel at the sheer brute force of a big welded-steel sculpture. Or sit quietly in contemplation and let your mind slowly unravel the mysteries within the works of Big Things.