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The Special Spaces Project

 

Laura Fabbri

A Hidden Gem on Campus–A mi padre, Medico

 

Whether you are a student, professor, staff member, or have no connection to the University of Western Ontario (UWO), there are many hidden locations on campus that you should see. Chances are if you have been at this school for a significant amount of time than you assume you have discovered all there is to discover, I know I did. This is my fourth year attending UWO and I have just recently seen a beautiful mural on campus for the first time (figure 1). This mural was created by Jordi Bonet (figure 2).  It is titled A mi padre, Medico, “A mi padre” meaning “to/for my father” and “Medico” meaning “doctor”. The materials used for the mural are bronze, ceramic, and aluminum.

Many of Bonets’ works have the same level of texture and technique, but no two works seem to be alike. This website displays several of his impressive works. Bonet was born in Catalonia in 1932 but settled down in Quebec later on in life.

Bonets’ mural is located in the Medical Science building, and don’t worry, it is not hard to find. As you walk through the front doors of the foyer, there it is, a magnificent artwork covering an entire wall. The mural does not have a recognizable image, but it is full of engaging patterns and designs. The mural itself is made up of individual squares placed beside each other like a tiled floor, but these lines did not restrict Bonet. Some of the areas on Bonets’ murals have been emphasized with the use of matte, shining, and reflecting finishes (figure 3). The rest of the foyer of the Medical Science building is fairly quiet with no distractions besides the occasional passers-by. With dim lighting, low ceilings, and a rather dull atmosphere, I can only assume that the rest of the room was designed to force your attention towards the artwork. Although, there are quotes printed on the walls surrounding the mural regarding the theme of the building - medicine, the quotes complete the atmosphere because they pull you around the entire space.

There is lighting above the mural that is mimicking the curvature of the wall. The lighting is being used to show off all of the wonderful textures throughout the artwork by creating dramatic reflections and shadows. The slight curve of the wall emphasizes the mural’s size, creating an even bigger impact. One of the great experiences I had while viewing this mural is how unexpected it was to see its size as well as its location. There is no barrier in front of the artwork so there is nothing to prevent you from going right up to it to see all of the details and materials up close. In an image below, you can see the relative scale of the mural, and just how much of an impact it really has. Although, only viewing photographs of the mural is not enough. Take the chance if you have the opportunity to view this artwork in person.

The only criticism I have is that I think Bonets’ name should be indicated beside it. Also, it may be taken for granted by the public, being that it is located in a foyer and most of the public who see it are exposed to it regularly, possibly diminishing their appreciation for it. Perhaps having no barrier between the public and the artwork develops an under appreciation since many of the public would be used to having that barrier between themselves and an artwork. Although, I do appreciate that there is no barrier, being able to go up close to the artwork allows you to see the different finishes and other approaches Bonet used. This mural, as well as other hidden wonders on the UWO campus, are what makes it one of a kind.

 


 

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Fig. 1


Fig. 2


Fig. 3

 

 

   

 

 

UWO Visual ArtsDepartment of Visual Arts
Room 200, JLVAC, Perth Drive
The University of Western Ontario
1151 Richmond Street
London, Ontario, N6A 5B7

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