Achi news desk-
Visitors to Stampede Park will notice a new statue outside the revamped BMO Center.
Gerry Judah’s artwork, titled Water Spiritsuccessfully installed in front of the newly expanded building, which officially opens on June 5.
The blue statue stands 70 feet tall and 45 feet wide, and weighs 112,000 pounds. It consists of 211 vertical steel tubes ranging in diameter from 6.5 inches to seven feet.
Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) says. Water Spirit embodies the power and vitality of water, symbolizing its dynamic movement and fluidity.
“This monumental sculpture is a testament to the power of public art in shaping vibrant and inclusive communities,” said CMLC spokeswoman Clare LePan.
“The grand scale and striking design of the sculpture will captivate viewers.”
The statue sits in the nearly 100,000 square foot plaza of the BMO Center.
“Creating Spirit of Water has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I’m honored to see it come to life in the heart of Calgary,” said artist Gerry Judah in a news release.
“My hope is that this sculpture will inspire viewers to reflect on the beauty and power of water, while also acting as a symbol of unity and connection within the community.”
Gerry Judah’s ‘Water Spirit’ at the BMO Center consists of 211 vertical steel tubes ranging in diameter from 6.5 inches to seven feet. (CMLC) Water Spirit engineered by Diales, manufactured in the UK, and assembled and installed in Calgary by Littlehampton Welding Ltd with local assistance from Heavy.
It was commissioned by CMLC and the Calgary Stampede.
The ‘Water Spirit’ design features steel and pure air, seamlessly integrated to create a visually striking composition. (CMLC) “This piece joins our 14-piece outdoor public art collection, curated by our volunteer Public Art Committee, as well as an additional 85 pieces we have just installed inside the expansion , with art from an impressive array of artists from across the south. Alberta,” said Kerri Souriol, Calgary Stampede’s vice president of park development and major projects.
“The stunning Water Spirit not only celebrates Calgary’s connection to water and reflects the dynamic spirit of our city and its people, but will also serve as a destination for visitors in our community and around the world to gather at Stampede Park.”
