Art and engineering might seem like unlikely bedfellows.
Not in Germaine Koh’s world.
Koh is the City of Vancouver engineering department’s new artist-in-residence.
Koh will collaborate with and advise the engineering department about developing opportunities to integrate art and creative design within the city’s infrastructure and operations, as well as to identify opportunities for both temporary and permanent public art installations.
The Vancouver-based artist’s work “often intervenes in existing technological, architectural and social systems to create connections,” says a city press release.
Her work has been exhibited at the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Or Gallery, Elm Park Field House and currently at a permanent installation at Sunset Park at the corner of East 51st Avenue and Main Street. The “SeeSawSeat” installation resembles a nearby bus shelter bench but works like a teeter totter.
“My work is concerned with revealing the systems, structures and technologies that a society uses to organize itself, often by playfully suggesting connections between apparently disparate phenomena,” Koh wrote. “I’m sure I’m not alone in being curious about the often-hidden workings of the urban and natural environments, so I’m excited about the prospect of delving into the city’s infrastructure.”
Marisa Espinosa, director of green operations for engineering services, said a talented and diverse pool of artists applied for the position.
“Germaine has an amazing vision for this residency and she will challenge us to think creatively about our infrastructure and how it interfaces with the public. Germaine’s contributions remind us how we are all connected to the city and the communities we serve,” Espinosa said in the release.
Koh will be the first artist-in-residence to engineering services in recent years.
To see more of her work click here.
For information about the artist-in-residence program visit: vancouver.ca/artist-in-residence
