VMF2020 Artist Feature: Oakland Galbraith

During our 2020 festival, many people were taking notice of the colourful mural that popped up right off the busy cross of East 12th and Sophia Street behind the Salvation Army. This piece is especially unique to VMF not only for the style and story behind the mural, but also because of who painted it! Meet Oakland Galbraith, a twelve-year-old mixed-race artist from Vancouver BC and the youngest artist to paint a mural for VMF! He finds inspiration for his work from his dynamic city. Using bold colours and graphic forms, he channels the strengths, weaknesses, triumphs and shortcomings in his illustrations, hoping to share pieces that capture the ever-changing social and physical landscape around him.

“When I was younger, I used to go to the mural festival every year and I wanted so badly to be a part of it. I knew I had to build my portfolio in order to be considered, and that it would take a ton of work, but I actually accomplished it!”

His mural “Vancouver: A People-Powered Future” shows a green and inclusive Vancouver in the future, after a group of citizens, led by a rocket, have taken to the streets to voice their opinions and take control. Oakland hopes that his piece will invite people in, and stimulate great conversations between his peers and other young Vancouverites about what is possible if you put your mind to it.

Oakland is learning how to combine his critical thinking skills with his art, and has been greatly influenced by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Harring, Brian Jungen and Shary Boyle. His current work combines elements of protest and future-forecasting, where he casts his imagination to a better, more livable future for all.

While he was painting his piece, Oakland incorporated an opportunity for the community to be a part of his mural by helping him raise money for Black Lives Matter. Each star painted in his mural represents a person who donated, totalling $3,000 raised in just a few days!

“I feel so proud that I was able to represent the future of my city in this way in a mural and raise over $3,000 for BLM. I am Black and Cherokee, and raising awareness for these causes is very important to me. Art gives me the chance to share issues important to me like inclusivity and the climate, it’s not just a pretty picture.”

Oakland’s mural coincidentally sits on his (and many of his peers’) route to school; we hope his piece will inspire young artists and connect youth to explore more of Vancouver’s public art.

Check out Oakland’s mural with many more in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood and plan a Covid-safe, social distanced activity to do with your household by exploring our free Mobile App’s Family Fun Collection!

You can find more of Oakland’s work through his Instagram @oakland.galbraith.

This mural was sponsored by Wondershare.

Photos by Gabriel Martins