The Private Developer Public Art Program's purpose is to encourage livability and quality of life by enhancing public spaces in Maple Ridge through private sector development.
This voluntary program encourages and gives developers choices for the integration of permanent public artwork in the community as part of the development review process, including, but not limited to the rezoning of land and issuance of development permits in collaboration with artists, design professionals and the community.
Public art is defined as original, site specific artwork in public and/or private spaces/places that is selected through a process that involves the Public Art Steering Committee, developer's representative, City staff and/or consultant. It is accessible physically or visually to the public and can be stand-alone or integrated into the overall design.
Once the commissioning process is completed, the artwork is owned and maintained by the townhouse/condominium/business community for the development application.
“Unfold” is inspired by the natural flora. Mimicking the fluid forms of flower petals, this piece is an interactive installation that asks the viewer to mediate on their built and natural landscapes. The sculpture acts as a marker and gateway to the City's Town Centre.
The “stem” pillars are playfully and delicately bent, as if the wind is blowing, to reflect the unique ecology that creates the natural beauty surrounding this site. The flowers “petals” are composed of metallic mesh, coated in a bright red colour, providing a lightly-sheltered area. Khouri sees these sculptures as 'living organisms' that come alive and surprise with their behaviour. Forming a relationship with her work is integral, she sculpts with her hands in order to render a more human imprint into her artworks.
Commissioned by Polygon through the Maple Ridge Developer Public Art Program with support from the Maple Ridge Public Art Steering Committee. This artwork is owned and maintained by the Provenance community.
About the Artist
Vancouver-based sculptor, Marie Khouri, represents the broad multi-cultural and diverse demographic of Western Canada. Born in Egypt and raised in Lebanon, Khouri has developed a vast range of cultural and historical influences within her practice. With a childhood interrupted during the Lebanese Civil War, Khouri was relocated to Spain, Italy and Canada, finally settling in Paris where she was classically trained in sculpture at l'Ecole du Louvre. On her return to Vancouver, a retrospective of her life took form in her sculpture, reflecting a passion for innovation and spontaneity.
