Vancouver residents protest relocation of Trans Am Rapture sculpture to Granville Loop Park, citing lack of consultation and past maintenance issues.
Public Art Sparks Controversy in Vancouver Neighborhood
A towering public art piece made of crushed cars and an old-growth cedar trunk has reignited debate in Vancouver after its surprise reinstallation at Granville Loop Park, near the south end of the Granville Bridge. Residents in the nearby residential area say they were blindsided by the decision and are now pushing back.
A Storied Sculpture Returns to the Public Eye
The 10-metre-high artwork, formerly called Trans Am Totem and now renamed Trans Am Rapture, was originally unveiled in 2015 as part of the Vancouver Biennale. Created by artists Marcus Bowcott and Helene Aspinall, the sculpture aimed to provoke dialogue on environmental degradation and modern car culture. It remained near Science World until 2021, when it was dismantled due to severe weathering and pigeon infestation.
Decision Draws Local Outcry Over Process
The city announced that the sculpture will now remain at its new location for at least ten years, a decision that some nearby residents say was made without proper public engagement. Darlene Forst, who lives across the street, started a petition to halt the installation. “They’re treating our neighbourhood as a storage locker,” she said, criticizing the lack of consultation and warning that the sculpture could again become a haven for birds, rust, and decay.
City Defends Relocation and Process
According to city officials, the original site is no longer feasible due to planned redevelopment of the viaducts. The new location was selected through Vancouver’s public art program, with input from the artists and local First Nations. However, a city statement acknowledged that many residents only learned of the move through media coverage. “Public consultation is not standard for individual public art installations,” the city clarified, adding that community notifications are forthcoming.
Mixed Reactions Among Residents
While some appreciate the message behind the artwork, others are unsure it suits the area. “Do I need to be reminded about conservation and consumerism every day I walk out of my house? Maybe not,” said neighbour Patrick May, who supports the concept but questions its fit in a family-friendly park.
Artists Respond to Community Concerns
Artist Marcus Bowcott acknowledged the past issues with bird infestation and emphasized that the city is taking extra steps to bird-proof the sculpture this time. He described Trans Am Rapture as a powerful symbol of ecological loss and human impact. “The cars are on top of an old-growth column,” Bowcott said. “That land used to be covered in massive cedars and firs. This piece is a cultural commentary on what we’ve lost.”
Long-Term Impact Still Unclear
As the installation nears completion, tensions remain high. The city’s effort to balance artistic expression with community harmony continues to unfold—raising broader questions about how public art should be planned and placed in urban environments.
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