Murray Favro

Canadian, b. 1940

Snow on Steps, 1994

wood, glass, plaster, glue, oil paint, canvas, compressed wood, hardware

198 x 259 x 229 cm

Collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery; Acquired with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Assistance program/Oeuvre achetée avec l'aide du programme d'aide aux acquisitions du Conseil des Arts du Canada and with funds from the Volunteer Committee to the Winnipeg Art Gallery and The Winnipeg Art Gallery Foundation Inc.

1999-639

Categories:

Installation, Canadian Contemporary (1980-present)

Snow on Steps is an almost full-scale model of the front porch and steps of the artist’s home in London, Ontario. Fully constructed by hand and painted to create a highly realistic appearance, this sculpture is at first glance a very believable replica. However, after closer inspection, the illusion is shattered because aspects of the raw construction materials towards the edges of the sculpture are not fully disguised. While looking straight on at the five wooden steps and the porch itself, the artist has simulated a covering of snow where imprints of footsteps approaching and leaving the door are clearly visible. The footprints literally, as well as metaphorically, trace the artist “at work,” inviting the viewer to ascend the steps and follow in the footsteps of the creator.