This is a unique view from inside the installation, Plaza, at Offsite, the Vancouver Art Gallery’s outdoor exhibition space just beside the Shangri-La Hotel. You’re looking up through huge light–coloured beams seeming to have fallen haphazardly against the four purposely charred, slatted walls that contain them. Inside the effect is disturbing since you are constantly aware that all the walls are all leaning outwards towards the street even though they seem to be strongly supported by the interior light-coloured beams.

This “architectural sculpture” gave me feelings of the past, present and future. The inside supporting beams seem new, from the present, and in some way are buttressing the past, represented by the four charred walls. But there is also something strangely futuristic about the charred wall structure as it stretches dramatically upward for almost 3 storeys drawing our gaze to the top part of its beams which point not only to the open sky, but also to the 61 storey ultra-modern Shangri–La tower looming overhead. It’s really a must see and I’m sure each viewer will have a unique impression.

The artists are Heather and Ivan Morison, a UK couple who create art to actively engage the viewer. They used salvaged wood from local beaches and construction sites and employed a Japanese technique called shou–sugi-ban to burn the outside walls a charcoal colour which also preserves and protects the wood. The construction team included carpenters, artists, labourers and Bladerunners, a job training program for Downtown Eastside at-risk youth. Plaza can be viewed till March 6, 2011.