Fact Check: Vancouver Artist Creates Massive 2,300-Square-Foot Waldo for Google Earth
What We Know
The claim that a Vancouver artist created a massive 2,300-square-foot image of Waldo for Google Earth is accurate. The artist, Melanie Coles, constructed this large depiction of Waldo and placed it on a rooftop in Vancouver. Coles, who is 22 years old, expressed her intention to engage people in a modern version of the classic "Where's Waldo?" books, where finding Waldo is akin to winning a contest or achieving a goal. She collaborated with 15 friends to complete the project, which took a couple of days to prepare (NPR, Utne).
Analysis
The evidence supporting this claim comes from multiple credible sources. NPR reported on Coles' project, detailing her motivations and the collaborative effort involved in creating the large Waldo image (NPR). Additionally, the Utne Reader corroborated this information, emphasizing the artistic and playful nature of the project (Utne).
Both sources are reputable and provide a consistent narrative regarding the creation of the Waldo image. The NPR article, in particular, is known for its journalistic integrity and thorough reporting, making it a reliable source for this information. The project was also highlighted in other outlets, such as Wired, which discussed the innovative use of Google Earth to reimagine a childhood game (Wired).
The consistency across these sources reinforces the credibility of the claim. There are no significant contradictions or doubts raised about the project, and the sources involved are well-regarded in the media landscape.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that a Vancouver artist created a massive 2,300-square-foot Waldo for Google Earth is true. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that Melanie Coles successfully executed this artistic endeavor, aiming to engage people in a nostalgic and interactive way through modern technology.
