Art and books are two of my favorite things, so I love working at the Central library where I can be around both! Here is some more info about the public art at KPL.
Flux
Flux is a large scale art installation located just inside the front entrance of Central Library. People are amazed at its size and beauty when they first look up and see it. The spectacular mobile was created by Canadian artists Deborah Moss and Edward Lam in 2014. Flux is made up of 900 hanging strands and 20,000 polycarbonate silk screened sheets. The piece is reminiscent of book pages scattered in mid air, or cherry blossom petals falling from a full tree. and it moves and changes throughout the day due to changes in light and the breeze created by people walking by it. The sheets contain text symbolizing the evolution of written communication from the Gutenberg Bible to digital code.
Enlightenment
If you came to the library as a child you might remember gazing up at Enlightenment, the beautiful cubist mural in our reading lounge, trying to decipher the images in it. In January 1962, Kitchener-born artist Jack Bechtel (1922-1966) was commissioned to create this piece, based on the theme “Enlightenment”. Bechtel worked in the library from closing until dawn for six months to complete this work, that measures 36 by 12.5 feet. It is widely considered to be Bechtel’s best work.
Haldimand Proclamation
Our most recent piece of Public Art is Haldimand Proclamation, 2020 by Alana Astehtsi Otsistohkwa (Morningstar) Jewell. “Haldimand Proclamation, 2020 highlights the stark contrast between original and current Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. This piece encourages viewers to reflect on the lands they live and work on, and to remember the original caretakers in this territory. The caretakers not only include Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and Neutral peoples, but also animal relatives, who are honored and represented through clan systems. Many Indigenous families are represented by clan animals, and this honor comes with many responsibilities to our communities, our lands and to ourselves. In this piece, Haudenosaunee clan animals are represented from left to right. They include the snipe, eel, hawk, bear, heron, wolf, turtle, deer and beaver. These animals were included to honor clan systems, ways of life and to recognize that these animals once lived alongside us.” Alana Astehtsi Otsistohkwa (Morningstar) Jewell, whose beautiful work can be viewed morningstardesigns.ca.
Children’s Displays by Shaena Hazzard
We are also very blessed to have Shaena Hazzard as a member of KPL’s Children’s Department staff. Among her other duties, Shaena creates these incredible displays to draw in children and adults alike to the joys of reading. Make sure to check them out next time you’re at Central Library, and take a look at these highlights of some of my favorite displays Shaena has made over the last few years.
Books About Art
Art: The Definitive Visual Guide
Math Art by Stephen Ornes
Wendy Master of Art by Walter Scott
Art Matters by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Chris Riddell
Pick up your Make With Us Kit for August! No registration is required. This month we are making Amazing Mason Jars to hold all of our paintbrushes (or whatever you choose).
Kitchener Public Library 