Client: City of Calgary: Public Art Program and Transportation Infrastructure

Location: Calgary, AB, Canada

Completion date: 2012

Artwork budget: $214,000

Project Team

Artist

Jill Anholt

Jill Anholt Studio

Client

City of Calgary: Public Art Program and Transportation Infrastructure

City of Calgary

Overview

Thousands of people wait in spontaneous collectivity on the LRT platform, often only vaguely aware of the anonymous presence of others. Each individual shares a brief moment in time and space with others; a temporary moment of belonging. Transit Story evokes the ephemeral presence and memory of travelers. Present and absent, seen and unseen, this work seeks to capture the fleeting trace of human presence within civic infrastructure.

Goals

The 30 sculptural silhouettes are activated by the 7000 commuters that pass by daily, allowing the figures to blend in and become part of the larger crowd. Built into the metal air grates of the southeast edge of the platform, the work enlivens the facade of the Telus Convention Center while contributing to an overall sense of safety for commuters.

Process

Jill Anholt Studio was tasked by the client with integrating artwork onto a series of metal air grates that would not occlude air flow from below, was robust, low maintenance and would help improve feelings of safety in the station. Meetings and input from Transportation Infrastructure, City Engineering and nearby stakeholders helped inform the work.