Travelbeat Inside Information New Sculpture Lets Passengers Know They've Arrived While a hug from a loved-one is always the best greeting, visitors to Vancouver Airport's (YVR) International Arrivals terminal will also be met by a new addition to the art collection, contributing to the uniquely-YVR experience. The sculpture, 'Arriving Home' by Brooklyn-based artist Dennis Oppenheim, was installed as part of the 2009-2011 Vancouver Biennale. The Vancouver Biennale is a free 22-month open air exhibition featuring the world's most prominent sculptors and New Media artists, with a goal of providing citizens and visitors access to art in public spaces. The theme, 'In-Transit-ion', will see installations in parks, along bike paths and the Canada Line rapid transit system and compliments the airport's existing art collection and exhibits. For many years, YVR has been a leader in promoting art in public places through its own collection and through the programs of the YVR Art Foundation. Bill Reid's 'The Spirit of Haida Gwaii: The Jade Canoe', is the centerpiece of the airport's International Terminal and is seen, touched and photographed by thousands of people every day. It is one of many pieces the airport commissions or acquires for permanent or temporary display, to help create YVR's sense of place. The collection's focus on Northwest Coast Aboriginal art compliments the design of the airport and celebrates British Columbia's distinct culture and natural beauty. The YVR Art Foundation also has programmes to support and develop local artists including scholarship programme for First Nations youth and to provide assistance to organizations and institutions who wish to develop their own art program or display. Arriving Home is on loan to Vancouver Airport Authority for the duration of the Vancouver Biennale. Its metallic spiral form suggests movement and mimics the rhythms, freedom and exhilaration of travel and mobility. Constructed out of steel and lexan acrylic, the spiralling iridescent multi-coloured form looks alive and as though it is about to spin and move through space. The artist, Dennis Oppenheim, received international attention for his conceptual work in the sixties and later for his body art, video photography and performance work. He continues to be an influential figure in contemporary art and his current work in large-scale outdoor sculpture installations has garnered international acclaim. To learn more about the Vancouver Biennale and the sculptures and installations around the region, visit www.vancouverbiennale.com. For information about the YVR Art Foundation including a map and listing of the art works around the airport, visit www.yvraf.com. (Vancouver Airport Authority) Back to Front Page