WebStamp August 8, 2018

Just before publishing this article we discovered that the Plus 15 between the Library and Rocky Mountain Plaza has been closed for several years. Unfortunately, even though the Public Art, Ex-Diamond, is still there but cannot be seen by the public. WebStamp published it anyways so Calgarians would be aware of this forgotten piece of Public Art. 

Ex/Diamond

Learning of a competition sponsored by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the Calgary Allied Arts Foundation to liven up the +15 System with art in 1993, Calgary artist Vera Gartley wanted to transform this dark corner with light, reflections and a story. Located in the Plus 15 between Rocky Mountain House and the Central Library at 616 MacLeod Trail We find Vera’s art Ex-Diamond. This work rifts the line between fine art and factory-produced advertisement.

 

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Image courtesy of City of Calgary 

 

Based on the Binary System associated with computer systems, Vera wanted the viewer to decide just what this work of art might be trying to discuss. While the lighted X and Diamond Shapes look like electrifying advertisements, it is unclear if they are selling anything at all or possibly an idea of your creation.

There is a text portion across on glass with a conversation between the artist and the maker of the lettering. The text gives a small insight into a portion of the process of the making Ex-Diamond.

Vera is a Senior Calgarian artist. She taught at the Alberta College of Art and Design for many years.

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Marinus (René) Verschuren
Marinus (René) Verschuren
Founder of WebStamp
René has been involved in the publishing and printing industry since the 1970s. He has published and distributed a successful 24-page weekly news advertiser with a circulation of 4400 copies. Also for the last 20 years, he has been a printer, plotter, scanner and 3D printer technician and installer. Since High School, he also has worked as a janitor, cabinet maker, building construction, landscaper/designer, computer operator producing microfiche, graphic artist, and webmaster, among many other professions. This qualifies him as a Jack-of-All-Trades with plenty of knowledge in many subjects.
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Vera Gartley wanted to transform this dark corner with light, reflections and a story. Located in the Plus 15 between Rocky Mountain House and the Central Library at 616 MacLeod Trail We find Vera’s art Ex-Diamond. This work rifts the line between fine art and factory-produced advertisement.