Remai Modern removes ice sculpture honouring Neil Stonechild after vandalism

An ice sculpture co-created by well-known Anishinaabe artist Rebecca Belmore has been removed from outside the Remai Modern art museum in Saskatoon.

The gallery removed the piece on Tuesday after it had been vandalized.

The piece, entitled Freeze, was dedicated to Neil Stonechild, a 17-year-old who froze to death on the outskirts of Saskatoon in November 1990. His death led to an RCMP investigation, and ultimately the firing of two police officers.

"Out of respect to the family, the artists and the museum have decided to remove the work," read a release from the Remai.

It's believed the sculpture was pushed over and broken.

"Remai Modern is honoured to have presented Freeze in Saskatoon and to have listened to the important conversations it catalyzed."

Freeze was originally created in 2006 for Nuit Blanche in Toronto byBelmore and her partner,Osvaldo Yero.

In a previous interview, Belmore hoped the work would start a conversation about ongoing violence.

In February, Stonechild'sfriend Jeff Crowe said he wasn't happy with the sculpture, as it did not feature his friend's name. Belmoresaid she spoke to Crowe, and explained the piece was designed tomelt, and reveal more information as time passed.

An exhibition of Belmore's work, Facing the Monumental, will be on display at Remai Modern until May 5.