Among the efforts Vancouver is undertaking to spruce itself up before the Winter Olympics, a major public art push is among the less controversial.

With the 2009-2011 Vancouver Biennale launching this week, and the city's Olympic and Paralympic Public Art Program announcing its Bright Light initiative for the Downtown Eastside, Marsha Lederman profiles five exciting new works now gracing - or headed for - public spaces.

1. A-MAZE-ING LAUGHTER

Artist: Yue Minjun
Where to find it: Morton Park

The laughter in his Yue's works is not genuine - it is exaggerated, forced. While generally seen as a comment on the China of his youth, it's something anyone who has put on a fake smile after a tough day can identify with. In the short time this work has been installed in Vancouver, it has been an unqualified hit with tourists and children.

2. BOULEVARD

Artist: Adrian Gollner and Pierre Poussin
Where to find it: Cambie Street and in Yaletown (installed Dec. 15)

This light installation has three elements: Fireworks, on Cambie Street, will serve as a "boulevard of entrance" for people coming into town, says Adrian Gollner. Rain Barrel will create a path of blue light between Vancouver's two live event sites. And, concerned that the Olympic flame will only burn inside BC Place for paying customers, the artists decided to create Flame, in Yaletown. "We thought one of the things we could do at least was give away some flame for free," says Gollner.

3. MONUMENT FOR EAST VANCOUVER

Artist: Ken Lum
Where to find it: Clark and East 6th (installed in early December)

This LED work is based on a street image that has circulated in East Vancouver for decades - a crucifix-shaped crossword linked by the letter A. "Nobody knows the origins of it," says Lum. The work will be installed about halfway between the two East Van homes where Lum grew up, on a rise that's both a busy spot for vehicles and public transit.

4. AERODYNAMIC FORMS IN SPACE

Artist: Rodney Graham
Where to find it: Georgia Street Entrance to Stanley Park

In 1977, Graham took photographs of toy glider kits that he deliberately assembled incorrectly. This piece will be a large-scale version of one of these - large enough so commuters on their way to the Lions Gate Bridge will catch a glimpse of its artistic whimsy.

5. BLUE

Artist: Project Rainbow
Where to find it: Video Screen at Robson and Granville and installations at Strathcona Community Centre, Centre A, Chinese Cultural Centre and Solder and Sons bookstore

The Canadian women's ski-jumping team won't be competing at the Games, but their talents will be on display on one of the city's busiest corners, with a looped slow-motion film of a competition last February. The title refers to an in-between space - the sky, where these women operate; or a state of limbo, as an athlete waits to find out whether she can compete alongside the men in her sport.