Art has the remarkable ability to captivate, inspire, and transform its surroundings. One such awe-inspiring example is Bernar Venet's monumental sculpture, "217.5 Arc x 13," located at Sunset Beach in Vancouver, British Columbia. This magnificent artwork has become an iconic symbol of artistic expression, inviting visitors to contemplate its significance while harmonizing with the breathtaking natural beauty of its surroundings.

Bernar Venet, a renowned French conceptual artist, has left an indelible mark on the contemporary art scene with his remarkable sculptures and installations. Born in 1941 in Château-Arnoux-Saint-Auban, France, Venet has gained international acclaim for his mathematical and scientific approach to art. His works often blur the boundaries between abstraction and precision, provoking thought and challenging conventional notions of artistic expression.

"217.5 Arc x 13" is an extraordinary sculpture that dominates Sunset Beach with its imposing presence. It consists of thirteen massive steel arcs, each measuring 217.5 degrees in angle, hence the sculpture's title. The arcs rise gracefully from the ground, reaching towards the sky like monumental rainbows frozen in time.

Venet's sculpture is a striking blend of art, science, and philosophy. Each arc represents a mathematical equation or formula, emphasizing the artist's fascination with scientific concepts and their connection to the aesthetic realm. The placement of the sculpture within the natural environment serves as a powerful metaphor, symbolizing the intersection of human creativity and the beauty of the surrounding world.

Visitors to Sunset Beach are encouraged to engage with "217.5 Arc x 13" on multiple levels. The sculpture's grandeur evokes a sense of awe and wonder, compelling viewers to reflect upon their own place within the vastness of the universe. As the sunlight filters through the arcs, casting mesmerizing shadows on the ground, a dynamic interplay between light, shadow, and form unfolds, further enhancing the visual experience. The sculpture's metallic surface reflects the changing colors of the sky, creating a captivating dialogue between art and nature.

Venet's sculpture has become an iconic landmark in Vancouver, attracting locals and tourists alike. Its presence not only adds aesthetic value to the cityscape but also serves as a catalyst for cultural engagement and dialogue. "217.5 Arc x 13" has become a popular gathering spot, fostering a sense of community and providing a space for people to connect, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of art together.

Bernar Venet's monumental sculpture, "217.5 Arc x 13," stands as a testament to the power of art to transform public spaces and ignite the imagination. Its fusion of artistic expression, mathematical precision, and natural beauty captivates viewers, provoking contemplation and encouraging a deeper connection with the world around us. As visitors stand beneath its towering arcs, they are reminded of the profound and enduring impact that art can have on our lives.

Camera: Gibellini AG810

• Lens: Rodenstock 480mm F9

• Film: Ilford HP5

• Developer: Rodinal 1+25

• Developed at: 400 ISO

• Number of interruptions of people asking about the camera: 1 (couldn’t take the capture I wanted because of people just sitting around when they saw the camera, I’ll talk about this syndrome on another entry)

• Exposure time: 1/8s

• Aperture: f64

• Digitized: SilverFast 9

• Post Process: Photoshop

Remark this was my second attempt as one of the foams of my camera back got damaged and I lost one capture because of light leak (that in my humble opinion was superior than the one I’m sharing)