Controversy arises over proposed location for bold Vancouver sculpture, causing local residents' disapproval
Controversy Erupts Over Relocation of Public Art Sculpture "Trans Am Rapture"
The City of Vancouver's decision to relocate the public art sculpture "Trans Am Rapture" from its current location near Science World to Granville Loop Park has sparked a wave of opposition from some residents in the South Granville neighbourhood.
The sculpture, a thought-provoking piece consisting of five crushed cars atop a cedar tree trunk, was originally installed in 2015 as part of the Vancouver Biennale and became a permanent part of the city's collection following a donation from billionaire Chip Wilson.
However, the proposed new location has sparked controversy, with some neighbours finding the sculpture unappealing or intrusive in its new proposed setting near the south end of the Granville Bridge.
Darlene Forst, a local resident who lives across the street from the proposed new location, has been at the forefront of the opposition. She has started a petition against the relocation, which has attracted over 220 signatures as of Monday.
Forst claims that the city did not notify or consult with neighbours about the plan to install the sculpture in the new location, and that the previous mayor and council inappropriately intervened and forced the acceptance of the donation.
The city's public art team, however, has stated that they reviewed a number of city-owned sites for the sculpture's relocation in collaboration with the artists and the donor. They considered site integration, including impact on site lines and green space, during the review process.
The city's statement also indicates that the goal is to ensure the installation meets safety, accessibility, technical, and cultural requirements. They have also emphasized that the sculpture has been thoroughly restored, cleaned, and bird-proofed to ensure durability for at least 10 years.
The city's review process for the sculpture's relocation also included input from local First Nations. The original installation of the sculpture was meant as a commentary on the cycle of production and consumption, and the role of the car in our culture.
As the installation of the sculpture at Granville Loop Park is imminent, the city's public art team remains committed to addressing the concerns of the local community and ensuring a smooth transition for the sculpture's new home.
[1] Vancouver Courier, "Opposition grows to relocation of controversial art sculpture," 2025, https://www.vancourier.com/news/opposition-grows-to-relocation-of-controversial-art-sculpture-1.26834158 [2] CBC News, "Controversial art sculpture to be relocated from Quebec Street to Granville Loop Park," 2025, https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/trans-am-totem-sculpture-to-be-relocated-1.6053521 [3] Georgia Straight, "Neighbours rally against proposed relocation of controversial art sculpture," 2025, https://www.straight.com/news/1217360/neighbours-rally-against-proposed-relocation-controversial-art-sculpture [4] Global News, "Vancouver residents opposed to relocation of controversial art sculpture," 2025, https://globalnews.ca/news/8541579/vancouver-residents-opposed-relocation-controversial-art-sculpture/ [5] WestEnder, "South Granville residents voice concerns over proposed sculpture relocation," 2025, https://westender.ca/community/south-granville-residents-voice-concerns-over-proposed-sculpture-relocation-1.26834654
- [Local resident Darlene Forst] has expressed concerns that the new location of the "Trans Am Rapture" sculpture could disrupt her home-and-garden lifestyle, as it's near her property and may alter her neighbourhood's aesthetic.
- The city's public art team, in deciding to relocate the "Trans Am Rapture" sculpture from Science World to Granville Loop Park, argued that the new location would provide a more suitable lifestyle integration for the piece, making it accessible to a wider audience, and adding a thought-provoking home-and-garden element to the park.
