vancouver 2010 logo
Out of context: Reply #228
- Started
- Last post
- 245 Responses
- i_monk0
To drag this thread back on topic...
I like the idea of the inukshuk as the logo now that I know (according to our Van City members) they're all over the island -- I would have gone with Haida personally, but that's me. A black, white and red totem of stylized animal-athletes, that sort of thing.
The execution isn't all it could be, I agree. It seems like an early concept and really lacks personality. That said, I took a stab at modifying it:
though I kept the colours basically as they are, I made the inukshuk more welcoming and human. (How often is black left out of Olympic city logos?)
Does the inukshuk represent Canada? Yes -- about as much as a portrait of the Queen, the beaver, or the Bluenose II do. One symbol short of the flag itself can't possibly represent such a diverse population, so localizing it is a smart move.
The use of an Inukshuk raises a couple of tender issues wrt First Nations in Canada, cultural identity, and acceptance. The only way some Native cultural elements will remain relevant is if they are adopted by the wider population. Don't take this to be patronizing, but I think they should be glad that an aspect of their culture is being given such a global venue, even if it's not a Native artist or a Native event. It would be dreadfully easy to have ignored them and what they and their culture have to offer -- something we have generations of practice at doing.
"What's an inukshuk?" is a question people around the world will have answered for them thousands of times over the next 5 years. AND THAT'S A GOOD THING. It engages, it informs, and it will put a spotlight on First Nations culture and history in Canada and spur improved relations.