City of Nanaimo unveils eye-catching, large-scale sculpture in Old City Quarter

David Martinello’s new sculpture, Compelling Agency, is an intriguing addition to the City’s Temporary Public Art Program

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed November 20, 2023 1:00 PM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo is thrilled to unveil Compelling Agency, commissioned from regional artist David Martinello for Nanaimo’s Temporary Public Art Program. Located at the heart of Old City Quarter adjacent to the intersection of Wallace and Fitzwilliam Streets, Compelling Agency is an eye-catching, large-scale sculpture constructed of metal and wood. The strength and striking form of the sculpture is intended to resonate with viewers. Fashioned in the silhouette of a tree, its shape and colour relates to the natural growth of the park. Suspended within the frame is a slab of cedar; a focal-point which prompts conversation about a natural resource that's ever-present in our daily lives.

Martinello's intent with Compelling Agency is to draw a viewer's attention to the relationship that humans have with wood and, over time, their relationship with the environment as they observe the natural weathering and evolution of the sculpture during its years on display.

Considering the influence of wood as a material, Compelling Agency behaves as a measure and reflection of our landscape. Our emotive connection to wood’s essence is highlighted in the framing of this resource; its value appraised as being integral to the framework of our lives. Compelling Agency stands symbolically for an evolving habitat while speaking to life in Nanaimo.

An artist talk with David Martinello will take place at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 2nd at the site of the artist’s sculpture as part of Nanaimo Artwalk 2023. Compelling Agency will be on display through 2027. Information on the City of Nanaimo’s Temporary Art Program can be found on the Temporary Public Art page of the City’s website.

Link to Strategic Plan: Arts and Culture are recognized as a significant contributor to the city’s quality of life. Creating memorable spaces and experiences supports Council's vision for a healthy Nanaimo.

Key Points

The City of Nanaimo unveils local artist, David Martinello’s Temporary Public Art Project, Compelling Agency, in Nanaimo’s Old City Quarter. Compelling Agency is on display through 2027.
Located adjacent to the intersection of Wallace and Fitzwilliam Streets, Compelling Agency, is an eye-catching, large-scale sculpture constructed of metal and wood.
Compelling Agency draws attention to the connective value that humans have to wood as a resource.
An artist talk with David Martinello will take place at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 2 at the site of the artist’s sculpture as part of Nanaimo Artwalk 2023.

Quotes

"Our public art is a wonderful reflection of place and community – free and accessible to all. We welcome this magnificent addition by a talented artist to our public art program."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

"My approach to art is based on an experience we all can relate to, admiring the breadth of a tree and picking up a stick to inspect its beauty. Ever since I was a toddler the inspired nature of this action is something that has occupied my attention. As an artist and furniture maker I’ve spent years considering why it does. Compelling Agency frames and celebrates this experience in a form that, with pride, will be fostered during its time in Nanaimo."

David Martinello

Artist

Images

Compelling Agency, David Martinello

Temporary Public Art Project, Compelling Agency, by artist, David Martinello

Contact:

For media enquiries, please contact:

Communications

City of Nanaimo

250-754-4251

Media.Requests@nanaimo.ca

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