Winnipeg artist Liz Garlicki creates Valentines for lonely buildings

It is the heart of the building, and the heart is speaking to the public...

—Artist Liz Garlicki on the heart shape installations she is installing in downtown Winnipeg

Dilapidated buildings are much like jaded lovers -- or at least they are for local artist Liz Garlicki. 

Just in time for Valentine's Day, the Winnipeg artist is providing a heart-shaped plea from old forgotten buildings that project a lover's lament. Using LED installations that cheekily project dejection through Morse code, Garlicki is hoping to reveal the love that is still inherent in these abandoned abodes, with the intention of having them filled.  

Her heart-shaped flashing lights at 618 Arlington Street proclaims, "I've changed, take me back," while another that will be installed on February 22 just down the road at 748 Sargent will reveal, "What did I do wrong? What can I do to make you stay?" 

The project is called "S.O.S." and it implores prospective renters to fall for these old buildings. Galicky said, "I want these buildings to be full of vibrant people and to give back to the community."

They heart shaped installations will hang in the main windows of the building, with Garlicki stating that "when you look at the building, don't look at it just with the light, look at it in its entirety. Because that is the important part -- it is the heart of the building, and the heart is speaking to the public."  

This morning Liz talked with information Radio's Marcy Markusa about why she decided to do the installations.


Liz Garlicki's work has been displayed in art galleries across Canada, including The New Gallery in Calgary, Gallery 101 in Ottawa, and the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

Her artist statement reads that her work, "brings to play the authority of advertising conventions. Specifically, the use of popular and public visual language to represent personal anxieties pertaining to social, professional and personal conformity."

The installation at 618 Arlington St. will run from February 9 to April, while the installation at 748 Sargent Ave. will run from February 22 to March 3.