A well known and towering piece of Victoria artwork is at risk of fading into oblivion, but it seems its original creator is considering a trip back to the Island to refresh it.
The iconic orca mural at 1250 Wharf St. was painted by Robert Wyland in 1987, and it’s starting to show its age.
In January, Wyland posted on Facebook saying he was looking for input on how and if he should refresh the nearly 40-year-old wall piece.
“My mural in Victoria, British Columbia needs some love,” he wrote on Jan. 19. “What do you guys think? Should I go up there and repaint it? Appreciate your feedback. Aloha.”
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As of Friday, roughly 500 people have commented on the post, and nearly 3,000 people liked or shared it.
Some commenters have suggested using metallic or luminous paint to give the mural a 3D effect, while another even offered to act as his assistant.
Whether online or in person, people seemed to agree that the mural should be restored and preserved.
“Love the mural, it’s time for a paint job though, it’s getting kind of faded,” said Art Deacon who was visiting Victoria from Winnipeg.
Victoria’s whale wall mural was the 13th of 100 “whaling walls” painted by Wyland in 100 different cities.
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The orca wall is pictured on Feb. 8, 2024. (CHEK News)
CHEK News
