Central Lonsdale is home to some rather large feet.
The outside art installation is called Walking Figures and features a set of nine cast iron sculptures dispersed along Lonsdale Avenue between 13th and 23rd streets.
According to a previous North Shore News story, the headless, armless human forms are the handiwork of Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz, who has been described as one of the top 40 most significant artists in the contemporary art world.
Her sculptures have appeared in public venues and museums worldwide. Her largest permanent installation is Agora, a set of 106 walking figures in
Chicago’s Grant Park. A smaller group can also be found near Broadway and Cambie Street in Vancouver.
The installation is part of the 2014-2016 Vancouver Biennale, a public art exhibition.
According to the Vancouver Biennale website, this is the first time that these figures have been placed as separated individuals. Usually they are grouped together.
The website notes: They appear to be walking aimlessly without sight, and the sombre tone makes reference to both time and loss.
Also part of the exhibition is The Meeting, a circular formation of eight, red squatting figures by Chinese sculptor Wang Shugang located at Rey Sargent
Park outside the Gordon Smith Gallery of Canadian Art on Lonsdale Avenue, just past 21st Street.
