The art of downtown
The Millennium Library unveils two new works
Jeanne Fronda, Staff
Photo by Scott McLaren.
Index cards are artistic. Well, artist Cliff Eyland thinks so. As one of two artists to have their work on display for the first project launched by the Winnipeg Arts Council’s Public Art Program, Eyland spent four months installing his art. Called “Untitled,” the massive work was unveiled during last week’s grand opening of the newly renovated downtown Millennium Library, formerly known as the Centennial Library.
“It was a lot of work and a lot of fun,” said Eyland, who explained that he considers his work a “scattered cataloguing.”
Eyland’s “Untitled” is composed of over 1,000 pieces, 3” x 5” each. The work is on display in the library’s main lobby wall, which is 24’ x 28.’ Since 1981, he has been making artworks the size of a catalogue card and has even inserted some of them in secret showings in art galleries and libraries. The paintings of “Untitled” are varied; they consist of portraits, still life images, 3D works and landscapes. The pieces are mostly acrylic and oil painted on Masonite or on an MDF surface, which is a type of particleboard.
The artist said he considers the library the most important art institution.
“I chose the library as my institution. I like libraries. I’m into books and like the atmosphere,” said Eyland, who claims he probably wouldn’t have become an artist if it weren’t for libraries.
With no signs that caution viewers “not to handle the work,” many children who have visited the library have been seen touching or leaning against several of the paintings within reach. But Eyland doesn’t mind the interaction.
“We’re too precious of paintings because we forget they need to be enjoyed,” said Eyland, who is also an assistant professor at the University of Manitoba’s School of Art. “[If we don’t put art on display], they’d just be in a vault somewhere.”
Besides, Eyland’s paintings are coated with an acrylic varnish, and he said he can replace them if they get worn down. He added that he may just leave them as they are if they become faded over time.
Another piece that is built for wear and tear is “The Illumination” by artist and University of Lethbridge associate professor Nicholas Wade.
Wade’s is the second piece of the new Public Art Program, located on the library’s Richardson Reading Terrace. Twelve-feet high, the black, red and white work consists of the interlocked letters T, H and E. Made of steel, “The Illumination” was made to be durable and make a statement about society’s obsession with language.
Manager of the Public Art Program, Tricia Wasney said both of the works were made to be long lasting and were chosen from approximately 70 art proposals. She said the arts council was delighted with the pieces.
“We’re really excited about it because it’s the first work to be revealed in the public art program,” said Wasney, who emphasized that the point of the program was “to put art in places where people will see it.”
“We’re encouraging art to be a part of your daily life,” she said. “It’s open to everyone.”
Wasney said they plan to install binoculars so that viewers can see some of the paintings that are closer to the top of the expansive wall on which “Untitled” is displayed. Binoculars have already been purchased, so soon, people who come to tour the library can view all of the paintings.
Wasney added that the art is also important because it represents Winnipeg.
“It shows a place that is proud of itself. We don’t come from Paris and say the roads are really good. We say it’s a good place . . . because of its architecture or art,” she said. “Infrastructure is important . . . but this is important [too]. It’s an expression of a city’s identity.”
