A sculpture inspired by the Fraser River will be coming soon to Fraser Heights Recreation Centre.

Casto Solano -  Living Fraser River

 

Artist: Casto Solano
Location: Fraser Heights Recreation Centre (10588 160 Street)
Category: Civic collection
Year Installed: TBA

The Public Art Program is excited to announce that a public art sculpture proposal by acclaimed Spanish artist Casto Solano was unanimously recommended for commissioning by a selection panel made up of citizens who live and work in the Fraser Heights neighbourhood. Pacific Academy Art Teacher Andy Kuo, Fraser Heights Secondary Art Teacher Norma Nickel, Fraser Heights Real Estate Expert Mitch Redekop, and long-time resident Paul Orazietti were among those recommending Solano for commissioning. Their recommendation was supported by the Public Art Advisory Committee and approved by Council.

About The Living Fraser River

Solano’s proposal was mainly inspired by the Fraser River. He writes: “I see the Fraser River as the tail of a comet, carrying life within it, plunging down into the earth. I imagine the river rising up, winding and whirling high into the open sky; connecting the four elements of our world. Connecting earth and air in a shimmering river of steel water; redirecting the light and fire of the sun gently about us in warm reflections as we step to meet it.

An organic, living conduit through which to explore our own connection with our community and the world which surrounds us. An iconic meeting point about which to gather and share our knowledge and experience. A point of unity for the diverse peoples of Surrey. For those who have gone, for those who are, and for those who are yet to come.”

Solano’s sculpture for Fraser Heights will be built of marine grade stainless steel and will be illuminated with different colours at night. As with all public art projects, the sculpture will undergo multiple engineering reviews to ensure that it meets the requirements of the BC building code and does not present any safety concerns. It will be robust to have a lifespan of more than 50 years.

About the Artist

With over twenty years of experience in public art and sculpture, Casto Solano has designed numerous public artworks in a wide variety of spaces around the world, ranging from static sculptures and figures in streets to interactive pieces in high profile places such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. He recently completed Holocaust memorial for children in Paris. Solano frequently draws on concepts of time (past, present, future) and space for his projects.