Numerous psychological researches have repeatedly confirmed the opinion that happy and kind people see the glass half-full, give positive value to everything. Looking at the unusual sculptural composition Family of Man, the symbol of the Canadian city of Calgary, you begin to wonder what wonderful people live there. To install single sculptures in order to create something original, give new meaning, and proudly demonstrate them to the city guests… It is what the citizens of Calgary did with the works of the talented sculptor, designer, and artist Mario Armengol.

For the first time, the unique works of the Spanish master were presented in the British pavilion during the famous exhibition «Montreal Expo» in 1967. Each of them took its place and was not part of the overall composition until the businessman and philanthropist Robert Cummings decided to purchase them at an auction as a gift to his beloved city. The figures arrived in Calgary, but nobody understood how they should be shown. So, they installed sculptures at their discretion and gave the composition an appropriate name. Since then, the Family of Man adorns the green lawn in front of the educational center and is one of the most popular landmarks in Calgary.

Ten beautiful sculptures, each 6,5 meters high, are made of aluminum and places in a circle that gives the impression of a close-knit family where all members extend their caring hands to each other. Despite all the warmth of the installation, some people ruthlessly criticized Mario Armengol’s art. Some called the sculptures soulless alien creatures. Some were shocked by naked bodies. Others just said «shame» and «disgrace» without arguments. But time did not stand still unlike the Armengol’s sculptures. People got used to the unusual neighbors. They soon fell in love with them so much that they even began to call the Family of Man the symbol of their city.