Madison Erhardt
Pedestrians and drivers alike will come across an impressive new sculptural work of art the next time they visit the corner of Water Street and Cawston Avenue in downtown Kelowna.
The sculpture is a project that the Kelowna Art Gallery has been working on for the past three years and has kept under wraps until now.
“We’re excited to share gold, silver and lead with the community,” said Nataley Nagy, Gallery Executive Director.
“We hope that it will become a landmark in the public space of the city center and stimulate a lively discussion about visual arts in the community.”
Gold, silver and lead were purchased as gifts to the Kelowna Art Gallery’s permanent collection in 2019 and are now installed outside the gallery.
The 7 meter high sculpture shows seven abstract bodies that are stacked vertically and rise in a minimalist shape. The cars, made from epoxy-coated sheet steel, appear to deteriorate and disassemble as they climb, and become almost unrecognizable when they reach their highest point.
The artist behind the sculpture is Jed Lind, whose work has been exhibited extensively across North America. Gold, silver, and lead were originally featured at the Toronto Sculpture Garden’s 30th Anniversary exhibit in 2011.
“I have always been attracted to installations and large-format sculptures because they captivate the viewer and confront them immediately,” says Jed Lind.
“What I love about art in public space is the variety or perspectives that come to a work of art that is very different from the exhibition in a gallery or museum. Ultimately, it’s not about taking the piece with you, but rather that it leads to pause, reflection or even confrontation. “
Viewers can see the car frame that Lind reproduced in the memorial. It is based on the bodywork of the 1979 Honda Civic and is meant to capture the spirit of its original design as a modern but humble car of the future.
“Gold, silver and lead, I hope, raise questions about obsolescence, minimalism, salvage and decay,” says Lind.
