| In my humble opinion, one of the best pieces of public art in Calgary is a large welded metal and enamel paint sculpture that, unfortunately, is often ignored as visitors make their way through the front doors of the Triangle Gallery next to City Hall.
The piece, entitled Balancing Act, was created in 1987 by Edmonton-based artist Roy Leadbeater from the metal of farm machinery and steel I-beams.
Balancing Act is more of a quirky friend than an imposing steel structure, with its (once) bright colours and delicate position on its pointy pedestal. Its name could be an observation by the artist about the citizens who stream by into City Hall to pay their property taxes and maintain their own "balancing act," or even a comment about the challenges faced by the mayor and aldermen.
Originally part of a 1989 exhibition, the sculpture was donated by the artist to the Triangle Gallery and has been in its present location since then, but still lacks a nameplate to identify it. Over time, it has lost some of its lustre and there’s currently a plan to repaint it as well as do other conservation work. All donations of more than $50 towards the Leadbeater Sculpture Renovation Project are tax deductible. |
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