Will Truchon, 'Valley Wall'

Artist Info: 'Valley Wall' was created in 2009 by Will Truchon as part of the Icon Tower mural project. The work is on the side of the southern Icon building and faces the 104th Street pathway to the Beaver Hills House Park. The piece was commissioned through The Works and consists of four painted panels adhered to the side of the condominium. 

Will Truchon has a background art and architecture from his three degrees acquired at the University of Manitoba, Ohio State University and the University of Calgary. He works in many mediums, often creating pieces in ceramics, painting, photography and sculpture. Truchon has held various roles in the art field including positions as a ceramics technician, arts instructor and gallery technician. He is probably best known for his role in The Works festival where he was Artistic Director from 2001-2007.  He mentions that he is passionate about public art and looks to create opportunities where citizens can appreciate art. 

My Thoughts: I chose to feature this mural because we had a great amount of discussion on this piece at the art walk two weeks ago. I thought it was appropriate that Truchon would be involved as an artist on a public work of art when he has had so much of a role in public art commissions as the Artistic Director at The Works. Furthermore, Truchon is known for his knowledge of architecture and has commented on his experience in planning and designing buildings. Therefore, I can see the desire to have him on a project to include art on one of Edmonton's major downtown streets. 

In terms of the work itself, I am undecided on my feelings towards it. While I like the colour palate and the positioning of the work as an entryway to the park, I do not like the impressionistic style of the artwork. I felt the artist was trying to mimic a Group of Seven painting, making the piece seem outdated on the contemporary condo. Furthermore, after some thought, I decided that I do not like the extension of the mural onto the electrical box beside the building. While I understand the desire to hide the unsightly unit, the paint does not camouflage the box but draws attention to it instead. Electrical boxes are so common in downtown Edmonton people do not notice them. Painted electrical boxes are much more rare and thus more obvious. 

What do you think about this piece? Do you like the electrical box? Let me know your thoughts!