Ah, the Big Blue Ring—officially known as Travelling Light. Ever since it made its debut on top of the 96th Avenue bridge near Deerfoot trail in Calgary back in 2013, this towering, 17-meter-tall, minimalistic blue circle has been quite the talking point. And let’s be honest, it’s not always in a positive light. So, If you’ve ever felt an unexpected surge of rage when passing by the ring, you’re not alone. But before you start questioning your mental state, let’s dive into why this simple yet complex structure has had the power to stir up such intense feelings and whether it’s completely normal to experience this reaction.
What is Rage, Anyway?
Rage isn’t just your everyday anger—it’s that next-level emotion that can take over before you even know it. You know the feeling: heart pounding, palms sweating, and everything in your field of vision narrowing down like you’re literally seeing red. Unlike regular anger that can bubble under the surface for a while, rage tends to explode all at once, often feeling completely out of your control.
Psychologists would tell you that rage is basically anger on steroids, usually sparked by feeling wronged, frustrated, or like you’re losing control. It’s your body’s way of gearing up to either fight back or make a quick escape. When it comes to the Big Blue Ring, it seems this piece of public art taps into a deep reservoir of frustration and helplessness that a lot of folks didn’t even know they had.
The Curious Case of the Big Blue Ring
Public art is supposed to make us feel something. It’s there to provoke, to inspire, to get us talking. But Calgary’s Big Blue Ring? It’s got a knack for doing one thing really well—it makes people downright angry. Seriously, even Mayor Naheed Nenshi once called it “awful.”
Art has always been subjective, but the kind of reactions this piece draws out are on another level—like, what is it about this massive blue circle that gets under people’s skin so much?
Is it that jarring contrast between the electric blue ring and the natural surroundings? Or maybe it’s the fact that this giant ring came with a whopping $470,000 price tag? It could even be that it touches on a much bigger issue—how public money is spent on art. Whatever the reason, this Big Blue Ring has become Calgary’s very own lightning rod for frustration, and it will not be backing down anytime soon.
Why Do We Rage at the Big Blue Ring?
There are a few reasons why this particular piece of art seems to get under so many people’s skin:
It Feels Like a Waste of Money: The Big Blue Ring came with a hefty price tag—nearly half a million dollars. For a lot of folks, that’s a shocking amount to spend on what looks like just a giant blue circle. When people think their tax dollars have been spent on something they don’t understand or appreciate, it’s easy to feel angry and frustrated.
It Doesn’t Meet Expectations: When it comes to public art, people usually expect something that’s inspiring, beautiful, or, at the very least, thought-provoking. While the free-standing structure is an engineering feat—the simple design of the Big Blue Ring might not live up to what folks were hoping for, and that disappointment can quickly turn into rage.
The “Emperor’s New Clothes” Effect: Sometimes, there’s a feeling that you’re supposed to appreciate art because everyone else seems to or because you’re told it’s important. But when a piece like the Big Blue Ring doesn’t resonate with you, it can create a sense of frustration, like you’re missing something—or worse, like you’ve been fooled.
It’s About Identity: Public art often becomes a symbol of the community it represents. When a piece doesn’t connect with people, it can feel like an unwelcome addition rather than something to be proud of. This disconnect can lead to feelings of alienation or even anger.
Managing Your Rage—Even If It’s Just a Blue Ring
Feeling a surge of anger every time you think about that Big Blue Ring? Here are a few tips to help you chill out:
Change Your Perspective: Instead of seeing it as a waste, try viewing it as art doing what it's supposed to—getting people talking, even if they're not all compliments. Sometimes, that's the whole point!
Breathe It Out: When the anger starts bubbling up, take a deep breath. A few mindful breaths can really help you cool down and refocus.
Rethink the Cost: Sure, it's expensive. But consider this: that money didn't just buy a giant blue circle. It's supporting artists, boosting the local economy, and sparking conversations about public art. It's not so bad when you think about it!
Laugh It Off: Let's be honest. Getting upset over a massive blue hula hoop is kind of funny. Share a laugh with friends. Turning frustration into humour can be the best remedy.
And hey, if you find that anger is sneaking into other areas of your life, it might be time to seek professional help. The team at Flourish Psychology offers individual counselling to help you manage those intense emotions and find healthier ways to cope. Don't let a blue ring—or anything else—take control of your mood.
Rage Against the... Ring?
So, is it normal to feel rage every time you see the Big Blue Ring? Well, yes and no.
Art is supposed to make us feel something, but let’s put it in perspective—it’s just a big, blue ring. Sure, it might push your buttons, but it also shows us how deeply we can connect or disconnect with the world around us.
The next time that blue circle gets under your skin try to laugh it off, take a deep breath, and remember that rage is just one part of the emotional spectrum we all experience. But if these simple tricks aren’t enough to keep your rage in check, it might be time to seek some professional help. Don’t let that blue ring, or anything else, ruin your day. Our team at Flourish Psychology is here to help you manage those intense emotions.
Take the first step towards a calmer, more balanced life—book an appointment today!