The owner of the building that features the famous mural of an orca in Victoria’s center says that no decision has been made yet on whether it will be restored during the planned renovation of the building.
Robert Fung, the president of the Salient Group from Vancouver, stated that he has been a longtime fan of the artist known as Wyland, who painted the three-story mural depicting a pod of A5 orcas on the northern facade of the Yates Block building 40 years ago.
The mural from 1987 on Wharf Street 1244-1252 has been widely discussed ever since the American artist mentioned on social media the possibility of its restoration.
“Wyland is determined to do it. We have been in communication about this for two years,” said Fung. “We have to go through the process of heritage alteration planning, and the restoration of this mural will be subject to that plan.”
After almost 37 years since the mural was dedicated by the artist from Salt Spring Island, Robert Bateman, the artwork has started to fade.
On Friday, Victor Stepanov, who grew up in Victoria and has seen the mural his whole life, expressed his support for its restoration, even though he is not fond of orcas. “They are so cruel and they toss seals into the air.”
In my opinion, the way the orca’s eyes were painted in the mural presents a more serene side of these marine mammals, he added.
Passing cyclist Calvin Tripp stated that while the mural could be refreshed, he doesn’t have a strong opinion on its restoration. “It’s a nice, big, blank canvas. Any kind of artwork would be suitable.”
Wyland, who has painted around 100 similar murals worldwide to raise awareness about oceans and the need for their protection, is known for creating impressive large-scale works of art.
The source of the article is from the blog scimag.news