MONTREAL/April 25, 2008—
Last night Concordia University’s Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science unveiled a series of public artworks titled Heads of Engineering. Created by conceptual photographer Geraldo Pace, the five large Surrealist-inspired pieces are installed along the public concourse of the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (EV Complex), running parallel to Guy Street in the Quartier Concordia.
The artworks were commissioned by the Faculty as a way to represent the diverse applications of engineering and the interplay of genders, cultures and traditions inherent to its larger societal role. The works draw inspiration from the key building blocks of civil, mechanical, electrical, aerospace and communication engineering centered around the most important engineer of all: Mother Nature.
A lifelong photographer, Pace’s early career focused on commercial work. But as the years progressed, his interest in conceptual photography evolved, creating the style he is now renowned for. His main challenge when realizing a concept lies in the possibility of its execution: the idea for a photograph usually comes to him in dreams. The dream is then translated into a concept, drawn and painstakingly set up in order to be shot. His images are taken on film, not in digital format, and Photoshop is never used. Each shot can take hours to place and prepare, creating breathtaking results.
The works were a gift to the University from Diane and Salvatore Guerrera and family. The Guerreras are passionate art patrons and longtime Concordia supporters. In 2005 they donated a monumental work by artist Jesus Carles de Vilallonga that now hangs in one of the Fine Arts amphitheatres of the EV building.
Concordia is home to a major public art collection, comprising more than 200 works. For more information on the Heads of Engineering and Concordia’s public art program, visit http://web2.concordia.ca/publicart/
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Source :
Tanya Churchmuch
Senior Media Relations Advisor
Concordia University
