Gallery in the Park in Altona has welcomed a stunning new addition to its sculpture garden with the unveiling of 'Equilibre Oblique,' a contemporary piece created by renowned Quebec artist Philippe Pallafray. The installation was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Friesens, a local business that has been instrumental in supporting the gallery's growth and development over the years.

The sculpture was officially unveiled during Thursday evening's second season Friends of the Gallery opening gala, marking a significant milestone for the cultural institution. This represents the first new sculpture to be added to the outdoor collection since Elena Bulatova's 'Cubic-Rubik' was installed in June 2022, ending a three-year gap between major installations.

Renae Friesen, who serves as both Manager and Curator of Gallery in the Park, expressed her enthusiasm about the new acquisition. "We are so excited to finally be adding another one to our sculpture garden, seeing it grow, especially one of this size," Friesen shared with evident excitement. She went on to explain the artistic philosophy behind Pallafray's work, noting his focus on geometric precision and structural innovation.

"He focuses on geometric shapes and angles, and he talks about how there's the strength of Japanese origami and that he tries to reflect that through his sculptures," Friesen explained. "I think he nails it with that piece." The connection to origami art reflects Pallafray's interest in creating complex forms that appear to defy gravity while maintaining perfect balance.

When describing her personal reaction to the sculpture, Friesen drew comparisons to one of North America's most iconic public art installations. "I find it very intriguing," she said. "Obviously, the sense of balance is very evident when you look at it. I think that adds to the intrigue that people see additionally with the reflective silver ball."

The reflective element of the sculpture creates an interactive experience for visitors, much like Chicago's famous Cloud Gate sculpture. "It's reminiscent of Cloud Gate in Chicago, The Bean as people know it," Friesen noted. "You see your reflection in it, and that just really adds to the intrigue when you approach the piece." This reflective quality transforms the sculpture from a static art object into a dynamic experience that changes based on the viewer's perspective and the surrounding environment.

Friesen took the opportunity to express deep gratitude to Friesens for their continued support of the gallery's mission. The company's sponsorship extends far beyond this single sculpture, representing a long-term commitment to fostering arts and culture in the Altona community. "Without them, the Gallery wouldn't exist," Friesen acknowledged. "It's amazing to see them continuously put themselves in for us, and encourage us to cultivate these spaces within Altona for the arts."

Looking toward the future, Friesen revealed exciting news about the sculpture garden's continued expansion. After the three-year break between installations, she announced that another sculpture is already planned for addition to the garden in 2026. "I can't say what it is yet, but it has been chosen," she said with a smile, building anticipation among art enthusiasts. "It's in the works, and there will be more info coming about that at some point, so we're excited to see it."

Gallery in the Park, which includes both the Schwartz House and the sculpture garden, maintains regular hours for public viewing Tuesday through Sunday. Visitors can access detailed information about hours and special events through the gallery's official channels, ensuring that both locals and tourists can experience this growing collection of contemporary art in an outdoor setting.