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Gord Gillies: Downtown Calgary public art gaffe more a mix-up than a major scandal

Several images featured in an art installation in downtown Calgary, several of which a U.K.-based comedian says were used without proper permissions. Global News

I tend to side with the mayor on the latest flap over Calgary’s public art program. Seems to me, it’s more of a mix-up than a major scandal.

On Wednesday, the artist, who used the photos without permission, apologized. He said he thought they were “public domain.”

I believe him, seriously. If I thought images that would be blurred out for a temporary display in a dark underpass were public domain,  I doubt I’d do extra sleuthing to make sure those fuzzy faces were cool with the partial exposure.

One of several images featured in an art installation in downtown Calgary which a U.K.-based comedian says were used without proper permissions. Global News

 

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Ah, but these days public art is under the microscope. Even a slip can turn into a $20-thousand screw up and outrage of the week.

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As the much-maligned public art program gets a much-needed review, here’s my two cents on how to move forward: keep it simple, stupid.

That old chestnut– the KISS concept– still works.

I just returned from a trip to Toronto and stayed in a downtown hotel. As my wife and I wandered along Yonge street, taking in the sights, we stumbled upon a little green space in the middle of the skyscrapers. It was a dog park. I knew that to be the case and I didn’t even have to read a plaque.

In the middle of the park was a three-tiered fountain with a huge dog bone mounted at the top.

Gord Gillies: Downtown Calgary public art gaffe more a mix-up than a major scandal - image
Gord Gillies/ News Talk 770

All around the fountain, there were statues of big dogs, small dogs, long dogs and short dogs, gazing up, dreaming of the bone. We laughed; it was hilarious!

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A little green space turned into a funny stopover for Lassie and friends. A silly concept that connects, even if you’re a cat person.

Gord Gillies: Downtown Calgary public art gaffe more a mix-up than a major scandal - image
Gord Gillies/ News Talk 770

I don’t think all public art needs to be that obvious, but maybe we should just keep it simple for a while.

I mean, do all art pieces really need to come with an explainer?

P.S. Take a look at the mural on the side of the building near the dog park. It’s also pretty cool.

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