Wonderland Sculpture

Welcome to the plaza of The Bow, one of Calgary's most imposing architectural skyscrapers. Yet, as you stand in this corporate epicenter, your eyes are inevitably drawn not to the towering glass above, but to the monumental,…

To truly appreciate Wonderland, one must understand the philosophy of its creator, Jaume Plensa. Plensa is celebrated worldwide for his monumental public artworks that explore the intersection of the human body, language, and…

Let us examine the extraordinary physical construction of the sculpture. Wonderland is not carved from stone or cast in heavy bronze; it is fabricated entirely from bent steel rods, coated in a stark, bright white finish. …

We now approach the most revolutionary aspect of Wonderland. Unlike traditional monuments that demand a respectful, distant viewing, this sculpture features two doorways located at the base of the neck. …

To truly comprehend Wonderland, one must observe how it interacts with the elements of the surrounding environment. The sculpture is highly reactive to the shifting conditions of the Calgary sky. …

As you step back out onto the plaza, take a moment to observe how other people interact with the sculpture. You will likely see tourists taking photographs, office workers eating lunch in its shadow, and children running…

For our final observation, walk a few dozen meters away from the sculpture, perhaps toward the street intersection. Turn back and look at the alignment of Wonderland with the crescent shape of The Bow building behind it. …

Our exploration of Wonderland now concludes. You have walked around, inside, and away from one of the most compelling pieces of contemporary public art in North America. …