MONTREAL/September 24, 2003—
Work by Nicolas Baier and Braun-BraÎn Planning and Design Consultants selected for the faÁade of Concordia's new Integrated Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Complex
MONTREAL/September 24, 2003 ñ Concordia University's Rector and Vice-Chancellor Frederick Lowy is pleased to announce that the team led by Montreal artist-photographer, Nicolas Baier, was selected for the integrated Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Complex on the Sir George Williams Campus in the heart of Quartier Concordia.
The artwork was chosen in conformance with the Integration des arts ‡ lëarchitecture et ‡ l'environnement des b‚timents et des sites gouvernementaux et publics program, which is managed by the ministËre de la Culture et des Communications of Quebec. This program ensures that a percentage of the government's portion of the building budget is dedicated to public art.
Slated for installation this winter, the work is a collaboration of the artist and Braun-BraÎn Planning and Design Consultants. Applied onto six thousand square feet of glass surface, it has been confirmed by the ministËre de la Culture et des Communications to be the largest in the history of the ì1% programî. Concordia is also proud that Baier studied at the University in the 1990's.
The rendering of a bouquet of foliage and flowers will be integrated into the curtain wall on the Visual Arts section of the complex, located on Mackay St. at the corner of Ste. Catherine St. Upon viewing the winning work, Dr. Lowy, appreciated how ìthe composition of indigenous and exotic flora represented the diversity of the Concordia communityî.
ìThe imagery can be seen to make reference to the civic tradition of employing flowers such as on the coat of arms of the City of Montreal, all the while contributing to the virtual greening of Mackay St.,î explained Dr. Clarence Epstein, Director of Special Projects in the Rector's Cabinet. ìThe interpretations of meaning also apply to its large screen format - paying homage to the old York Cinema, and also play on the term ìstill lifeî, because the work is far from still and full of life.î
The Baier piece will become one of the icons of Sir George Williams Campus located in the heart of Quartier Concordia. Renderings of the new work will be on view as part of a solo show on Nicolas Baier at the MusÈe d'art contemporain de Montrèal beginning tomorrow and running until November 30th.
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