Massive Statue of Lenin Erected in Canada

Russia Today
Jan. 09, 2010

A controversial sculpture depicting Russian Communist leader Vladimir Lenin with Chairman Mao Zedong attached to a feminine body appeared in the centre of Richmond near Vancouver causing massive disputes among locals.

The huge stainless steel sculpture is a part of the Vancouver Sculpture Biennale, a city-wide celebration of public art. The creation by brothers Zhen and Qiang Gao, an artistic duo from Beijing, bares the name “Miss Mao Trying to Poise Herself at the Top of Lenin’s Head”.

According to The Vancouver Sun, since early morning when the sculpture appeared in the city’s business centre it has immediately become the main topic for the buzz among people, as many of Richmond’s inhabitants are migrants and many of them speak Chinese and Russian, RIA Novosti reports. Bloggers are posting images of the sculpture and local newspapers are reporting about the controversy.

Derek Dang, a city official, was not surprised that the artwork caused debate. “[Miss Mao] certainly has caused a lot of debate and evokes some strong emotions among people who remember those times,” Dang said. “[The Gao brothers’] inspiration and imagination is what makes it art,” The Vancouver Sun quotes Dang as saying.

These Chinese artists have already lent their names to controversy and political character of their works. Their provocative depictions of Communist leaders including Chairman Mao forced the Chinese government to shut down their projects and raid their workshops.

The Vancouver Sculpture Biennale is held every two years, featuring public art works by about 30 artists from throughout the world. Biennale sculptures are removed within two years and replaced with new ones.












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