FLOWER POWER by Mark di Suvero (Photo: rutard.ca)
Two sculptures by internationally-renowned artist Mark di Suvero have been permanently removed from High Park. The sculptures,”Flower Power” (above) and “No Shoes,” were created in the 1960s and are considered important works in the abstract expressionist style. According to Clara Hargittay, with Toronto’s Culture Division, “Flower Power” is likely the most valuable work of public art in Toronto’s collection.
The pieces have long suffered deterioration at their High Park location. After restoration, “Flower Power” will be relocated to a more protected location, in a central waterfront park to be created as part of the Concord Adex development. The City of Toronto will keep ownership. Discussions are underway to determine the final home for “No Shoes.” The decision to relocate came after consultations with members of the Art Committee for Public Places.
5 Comments on “Sculptures permanently removed from High Park”
It’s a shame because I think those sculptures were way more compelling together in the setting they were in than they will be separated and standing in the midst of a bunch of buildings. Not to mention the fact that I had come to value them as a part of my experience living in the area for which they were no doubt commissioned. What kind of will do you think there might be to petition to bring them back to the Public Park they belong in as opposed to installing them in an exclusive upscale condo development? Or is High Park too “low rent” for such valuable art.
I was more than happy to see them go. I appreciate all types of art, but come on, a few steel girders welded together, I don’t think that’s art. No offence to the artist, of course.
It would be nice to know if Mark di Suvero intended the sculptures to be two elements of a two-part installation or if they can exist on their own. Was he consulted about this relocation? I have always admired these works and was disturbed to see them getting overgrown with trees in their High Park setting. The location probably seemed ideal back in the 60s when sculpture had moved out of the gallery and Earth Art was in full swing. I hope their new context will give them a new life and a new appreciation. They are significant works and Toronto is lucky to have them.
These two pieces, regardless of your aesthetic taste, are works by an important international sculptor. No Shoes is suppose to be two pyramids inverted in a vertical orientation not horizontal as current images illustrate. Flower power is suppose to have 4 large timber pieces suspended from it. Both works have been neglected or revised due to safety concerns.
The original locations have been recorded for posterity here:
No Shoes – http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/43185/
Flower Power – http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/43184/
Maybe their relocations will also include a restoration back to the intended construction.
BRING THEM BACK!
I just came back from high park and immediately did a little research (googled) to find out what happened to OUR sculptures. This revelation is very upsetting… as is the fact that the art had been altered for “safety concerns”.
Come on Toronto, the majority of us are adults and can navigate our way through life safely without your ever present guiding hand.
Anyhow, BRING THEM BACK! Or, give them back to the artist/artists estate.