A Second Look at Calgary's Public Art

Denise C. Jakal is an architecture writer in Edmonton.

As the title suggests, this is an updated and revised companion to the
authors’ 1977 Look at Calgary’s Public Art. The 1992 book is larger
and more focused than the previous one, reflecting the changes in
Calgary’s cityscape since the 1988 Winter Olympics. Essentially, this
is a catalogue of sculpture that can be easily accessed by the public,
grouped according to location.

The entries do not attempt any critical assessment of the art works,
and the authors rely on the artist’s explanation of the piece where
possible. The strength of this approach is that a wide spectrum of work
is included. On the other hand, some of the sculpture is outright kitsch
and is probably not deserving of much attention.

The book includes a glossary and a biography of every artist whose work
is represented. All in all, a good basic reference volume to the often
overlooked sculpture that adorns this Canadian city.