A new Nanaimo mural portraying a reclining fantasy creature in the midst of colourful surreal images has prompted supporters and critics to send hundreds of emails to city hall.
Some consider the mural to be pornographic, some think it represents a pipe and smoking, while others praise it and do not want it altered, Acting Mayor Sheryl Armstrong said Wednesday.
She has heard of children who are scared by it and youngsters who enjoy it.
鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot of people who really like that type of art,鈥� Armstrong said. 鈥淲hat we have to remember is that art is very subjective.鈥�
Input on the mural 鈥� painted this month on a previously unused city outdoor wall 鈥� has come in from across Canada and as far away as New York and Belgium, she said.
Most 鈥� about eight to one 鈥� are in favour of keeping the piece as it is.
Some writers were concerned that there was a move take down or alter the mural, which is not happening.
The mural at 95 Cavan St. is the work of local artist Russell Morland, also known as Lurk, who says on his Instagram page: 鈥淚 want to create weird worlds and fascinating creatures for you to enjoy.鈥�
Inspiration comes from 鈥渢he worlds of lowbrow, street art, skateboarding, and board games,鈥� states the Lurkarmy.com Facebook page.
鈥淭hroughout his career, his work has been featured on shoes, underwear, skateboards, card games, for prominent clients including Britney Spears, Santa Cruz Skateboards, Etnies Shoes, and RedBull.鈥�
Armstrong said information from city staff said that the aim was to animate a bleak wall in a parking lot with a whimsical, joyful and playful piece referencing pop-surrealism and magic.
Opinions expressed about the mural suggest that council might want to consider a different selection process, Armstrong said.
鈥淚t鈥檚 an interesting discussion that really needs to take place at the council table. How are we going to move forward so that stuff like this doesn鈥檛 happen 鈥� or is this a good thing to happen? I really don鈥檛 know.鈥�
She saw one suggestion that citizens vote in an online poll for possible murals in the future.
Asked about her own opinion of the mural, she said, 鈥淚鈥檓 not giving any personal thoughts.鈥�
Mayor Leonard Krog, who is on holiday, said it is not a crisis.
鈥淚 wish the public interest in solving homelessness, addiction and mental-health issues were as strong as the passion people are bringing to a mural.鈥�
惭辞谤濒补苍诲鈥檚 mural is one of three painted in downtown Nanaimo this year for the first Hub City Walls Mural Festival, presented by the Humanity in Community Foundation.
The City of Nanaimo provided $15,000 to the project, through a downtown event revitalization grant. The non-profit organization ran the selection process and hired the artists.
The amount paid to each artist is confidential, said foundation spokesperson Lauren Semple.
Artist Kara Dee Harrison also designed a mural, depicting otters in the water. Her work is near 151 Front St.
Austin 奥别蹿濒别苍鈥檚 mural is at 119 Skinner St. at the Bastion Street parkade stairwell, showing a stylized design of Harbour City 尝颈惫颈苍鈥� within a decorative design.
Semple is looking forward to the 2021 Hub City Walls festival, which will feature more murals. 鈥淢ost of our plans will be heavily informed by COVID-19 situation and the impact that related restrictions and guidelines will have on safety, gatherings, events and the ability of Canadian and international artists to travel.鈥�
Julie Bevan, Nanaimo鈥檚 manager of culture and events, said the city鈥檚 downtown event revitalization fund is supporting about 20 special projects this year.
鈥淚t鈥檚 great to see these three local artists supported by this project.鈥�
cjwilson@timescolonist.com
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