There’s a new work of art in Metrotown by renowned Canadian artist and writer Douglas Coupland.
21st Century Rock Garden, described as a “bamboo-like installation,” now stands outside the new condo tower Telford on the Walk by developer Intracorp at 6537 Telford Ave. in Metrotown.
The work, featuring brightly coloured poles amid a rock garden of basalt and jade stone, is Coupland’s 17th public art piece, according to a press release.
Coupland learned about rock placement while at art school in Japan in the 1980s.
“When I came back to B.C. I saw that we have astonishing rocks here – basalt and jades especially – but we do nothing with them,” Coupland said the release. “I’d like to see people appreciate the beauty of rocks and stones.”
Coupland said the jade and basalt stones are “some of the most coveted stones found around the world.”
“As strong as they are beautiful, being able to work with both was incredibly special.”
The art is intended to evoke “a feeling of walking through a Japanese rock garden, juxtaposed with Metrotown’s ever more bustling urban centre,” according to the release.
Intracorp BC president Evan Allegretto said including a public art component was essential to “creating vibrancy” on the ground.
“We knew that no one could capture Telford’s energy better than the renowned artist Douglas Coupland,” Allegretto said.
Intracorp CEO Don Forsgren said the company believes in the power of public art.
“It brings people together, sparks reflection, and adds beauty to our daily lives,” Forsgren said. Through our support for public art we aim to create safer, more welcoming neighborhoods and to enhance the cultural and economic vitality of our communities.”
Coupland is also known for the iconic Digital Orca at the Vancouver Convention Centre and Intracorp’s Golden Tree near the Marine Drive SkyTrain station.
“I think the jade stone used here (at Telford) is the gem of the stones. I think people can touch it for luck as they pass by. Why not?” Coupland said.
