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Emotional Geometry – cultural NAFTA in action

Sebastian Escultor

(Vancouver, BC) — Emotional Geometry, an exhibit of monumental sculpture, opens September 14th at VanDusen Botanical Garden. Presented collaboratively by the Consulate General of Mexico, VanDusen Botanical Garden and the Vancouver Biennale, the exhibit features 15 works by Sebastian, a national treasure considered to be Mexico’s foremost living sculptor. Curated by noted Sebastian scholar, Dr. George Drake, the exhibit opens here as part of Mexico Fest, the celebration Mexico’s Bicentennial.

"We are hugely honoured to be the ‘Canadian home’ for this exhibit," says VanDusen Garden Director Harry Jongerden. "It came about through the partnership of people in three countries – Mexico, the US and Canada – who all felt it was important for Emotional Geometry to come to Canada."

Dr Drake, who has retired from academic life and now resides in Bellingham, WA, assembled the exhibit there where it enlivened the streets of the city since last spring. Originally scheduled to remain there until the end of October, Bellingham graciously permitted the exhibit to close early to accommodate its coming to Vancouver in time for the bicentennial celebrations in mid September.

The Throne of NezahualcoyotlFor the Bellingham show, VanDusen loaned its Sebastian piece The Throne of Nezahualcoyotl which has been part of VanDusen’s permanent sculpture collection since 1978 when it was given to the City of Vancouver by the Government of Mexico.

Moving Emotional Geometry is no small feat. Each of the brightly painted steel sculptures stands 8' or more and weighs several hundred pounds. It is rare that an exhibit of this magnitude travels because of the immensity and value of the work. "We anticipate this being a very popular show as it is so big and bold. The bright, primary colours will cheer up even the most dreary winter day. People respond to them with a sense of fun," concludes Mr. Jongerden.

Emotional Geometry is scheduled to remain on VanDusen’s Great Lawn until late spring 2011.

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