A passerby called 911 earlier this month after interpreting the protruding legs of an anthropomorphic sculpture as a person in need of medical assistance. Emergency personnel forced entry into Access Gallery in Vancouver on the night of August 14, only to realize it was a false alarm. The sculpture, titled “Untitled (the preparator)” by artist Allysa Pierre, had caused a stir, with some speculating the witness could have thought it was a person experiencing an overdose, a fairly common sight amid Vancouver's ongoing opioid crisis.

The incident has left the gallery facing a $722 repair bill and has sparked online debate. Some speculated that the witness might have mistaken the sculpture for a person due to the ongoing opioid crisis in the area, highlighting the stark reality of the issue.

“Untitled (the preparator)” is a sculpture of an art preparator, a role often overlooked in the art world. The piece, which stands about 60cm tall and is made of carved and painted wood, is part of a group exhibition at the Access Gallery. However, its lifelike appearance may have caused some confusion.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) spokesperson told Hyperallergic, “We received a call from a witness who reported a person's feet protruding from behind a counter and believed medical assistance was required.” The VPD was forced to break the gallery lock and breach the front door to investigate the claim.

The incident has brought to light the ongoing challenges faced by Vancouver, particularly the issue of opioid addiction. It also serves as a reminder of how easily we can be misled by appearances, especially in times of heightened awareness. As for the gallery, they are now left to ponder the unintended consequences of their exhibition.