An Indigenous art collection is the hidden gem of this TELUS skyscraper (PHOTOS)
Skyscrapers are certainly not what you expect to associate with the liveliness of BC’s nature and culture, but high up in a downtown Vancouver skyscraper is a magnificent collection of Indigenous art.
Several Indigenous artists contributed to an art installation art on the 24th floor of the TELUS Garden, meant to host business clients and inspired by BC’s natural landscapes.
The art installation was curated in partnership with Douglas Reynolds Gallery, and while it isn’t open to the public except for special events, Daily Hive got an insider look at the stunning displays of colour, nature and Indigenous culture.
“The acquisition of original artwork for the TELUS Garden offices is one of the many ways they support and celebrate artists,” said Doug Reynolds from Douglas Reynolds Gallery.
“It is important to think regionally when activating their spaces, and focusing on North West Coast art for TELUS Garden was certainly a priority to achieve this vision.”
Don Yeomans
Haida artist Don Yeomans contributed four pieces in total to the 24th floor at the TELUS: the Split Killer Whale Dance Screen, cut aluminum Frog Sculpture, black glass Salmon Doors, and the 6.5′ diameter Sea Bear.
Yeomans has studied and worked in the Haida style since his youth.
Art by Don Yeomans/Courtesy of Doug Reynolds
Art by Don Yeomans/Courtesy of Doug Reynolds
Art by Don Yeomans/Courtesy of Doug Reynolds
Art by Don Yeomans/Courtesy of Doug Reynolds
Robert Davidson
Haida artist Robert Davidson is the best-known living West Coast artist today and he contributed to the installation by creating the large 10′ cut aluminum Sea Monster Sculpture.
Davidson is a “master in every medium, including wood, gold, silver, argillite, silkscreen and bronze,” and has had much influence on on modern Northwest Coast artwork, says Reynolds.
Art by Robert Davidson/Courtesy of Doug Reynolds
Bradley Hunt
Bradley Hunt is a Heiltsuk artist born in Bella Bella, BC. He attended Vancouver Art School prior to attending UBC. He comes from a family of artists and his two sons are both well-known carvers, Dean and Shawn Hunt.
Art by Bradley Hunt/Courtesy of Doug Reynolds
Phil Gray
Tsimshian artist Phil Gray is the youngest artist of the group, who is just getting started in his career. He contributed the staircase as well as the wall mounted cut copper and steel series of panels that hides a television screen.
Art by Phil Gray/Courtesy of Doug Reynolds
Art by Phil Gray/Courtesy of Doug Reynolds
Art by Phil Gray/Courtesy of Doug Reynolds
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