In place since 1968, George Norris’ “The Crab” is one of those pieces that makes me think, “where the heck have I been?” After all, this 20-foot high stainless steel crustacean has been guarding the HR MacMillan Centre & Museum of Vancouver for over 50 years, yet I’ve only just seen it now – in 2021 – despite both living in the city (once upon a time) and frequently visiting since. My ignorance as to the existence of this sculpture is all the more remarkable when you realize that notable publications like The Globe & Mail and Miss604 have both declared The Crab to be “one of the most photographed works of art” in the entire Province. Again, where has ol’ PookyCake been? Out of the loop, obviously! Well, that’s why we visit and explore our City of Glass – to uncover and learn more about its grand narrative.
Now, a bit of context: Despite the fame of The Crab, not many people are aware of the artist. George Norris was a native of BC (born in Victoria) and he’s actually had a plethora of public works in and around Vancouver – many of which you can still visit today (a Google search will help you here). Outside of The Crab, the piece I’m most familiar with by Norris is actually in Victoria – at the Greater Victoria Public Library’s main branch: Dynamic Mobile Steel Sculpture. Why is it, though, that most people are unfamiliar with Norris and his work? Well, he was very much the anti-materialist and typically refused to sign or title his works. Instead, he preferred to leave any and all interpretation up to the viewer. For me, this actually makes sense because when you title something, you inevitably influence how some may choose to “read” it. Hence, why this stainless steel crab sculpture is just . . . The Crab.
As for the sculpture, it is made of stainless steel and was welded together from separate parts by Gus Lidberg. Situated in the middle of a fountain, The Crab apparently takes inspiration from a Haida legend that told of a crab guarding the entrance to a harbour. This kind of makes sense to me because the crab does function, in some ways, as a guardian in Haida culture. Visit that archipelago and you’ll see a crab prominently displayed as the crest/logo for the SHIP language program, for example. But the Haida connection (or influence) doesn’t stop there. The HR MacMillan Centre was also designed to “reflect the shape of the conical headwear worn by the Haida people.” Okay, that’s cool, but I don’t see it. The building looks much more like a 1960s-era spaceship than it does a woven cedar hat.
Anyhow, I was glad to finally see Vancouver’s famous “Norris Crab,” as it is also known, in person. I circled it a few times, but still ended up taking mediocre pictures! Oh well. The sculpture itself is quite lovely and Vancouver is all the more uniquely beautiful as a result.