After five years at Calgary’s Glenbow Museum, the late Dennis Oppenheim’s groundbreaking sculptural installation Device To Root Out Evil will soon be in search of a new home.  Originally part of the 2005-2007 Vancouver Biennale, the sculpture had a controversial tenure in Vancouver despite widespread critical acclaim. After a group of Coal Harbour residents complained about the work obstructing sightlines to the harbour, Device To Root Out Evil was eventually sent to Calgary’s Glenbow Museum on a five year loan. The Glenbow Museum placed the sculpture in Ramsay, Calgary’s most creative neighbourhood where it has been enjoyed, engaged and celebrated ever since.

As far as artists go, Dennis Oppenheim is iconic. Coming out of the conceptual art movement in the 1960s, he is the personification of his time. If you’ve spent any time in Toronto, you’ll be familiar with his 2009 sculpture Still Dancing in the Distillery District. His work has exhibited in galleries and museums around the world including the Tate Gallery, Stedelijk Museum, Whitney Museum of American Art, The Museum of Modern Art, and Musee d’Art Moderne, and was recognized by the Vancouver Biennale for Lifetime Achievement in 2007. Since his death in 2011, his art is more revered than ever.

Subsequently, as part of our 2013-2015 exhibition, the Vancouver Biennale is exploring options to bring this important piece of art back home. Come on, Vancouver! We know you’re ready for this. We want it back! Let us know if you do too. There’s strength in numbers, so spread the word and show us your support. It’s time to bring Device To Root Out Evil back to Vancouver.