Catherine Burgess, 'Return'

Artist Background: Catherine Burgess was born in Ponoka, Alberta in 1953 and obtained her BFA from the University of Alberta where she worked closely with Peter Hide, a modernist sculpture veteran. For the past 30 years her primary focus as an artist has been working with steel and mixed media sculptures. She currently lives and maintains a studio in Edmonton and has been a part of over 25 solo shows and over 60 group shows during her career. She isn’t a stranger to public art and has created 4 public works, 2 of which are in Edmonton, including ‘Return’.

This commission was added to Jasper Avenue in 2001 and falls in-line with Burgess’ sculptural themes of geometric, simplified shapes. The work is 20 feet tall and the 390 aluminum rings are individually cast and arranged into the three twisted columns.

My thoughts: The dark, twisted metal reminds me of old, industrial machinery so I find it compliments rather than clashes with the historic façade of the Union Bank Inn. The symmetry of the piece gives the work a quiet and stoic feeling – something that is often present in Burgess’ sculpture. I think this works well with the busy and ever-changing Jasper Ave.

Let me know what you think of this work! It stands by the Telus building at Jasper Avenue and 101 Street, right by the Central LRT station.