VMF2020: River District
Located in southeast Vancouver, River District is one of Vancouver's newest communities featuring an eclectic mix of shops and eateries next to the Fraser River. While exploring this neighbourhood make sure to take advantage of all the surrounding nature! Take a walk along the pier, the Fraser Foreshore Trail, or enjoy the many green spaces in local parks and playgrounds. The murals painted in this neighbourhood consist of ten pieces that can be found on East Kent Avenue, just south of Town Centre.
“We Can’t Do It Alone”
EAST Kent Ave S. - North Facade
Mural Statement:
“Yes, it's important to have self-love, self-care, and self-time. It's great to go work on yourself and be driven by your passions. But that doesn't mean we have to do it alone. This mural is an invitation back to the community, to the wholehearted feeling that we are part of something bigger. A reminder that we learn more about ourselves through the interactions we have with others and the world around us. In times of mandatory isolation, I want to call the attention for the people that helped us be who we are, the places and the culture that surrounded us and made our beliefs possible, the ones close to our hearts that will be there to hold us through life. Love is important and we can't do it alone.”
“Where You Will Find Me”
EAST Kent Ave S. - North Facade
Mural Statement:
“This piece is pulling imagery from an ongoing series that I’ve been doing over the past few years, about connection; looking or reaching for something amidst chaos and time, finding familiarity with each other. Creating this piece during the pandemic has given these ideas even more meaning. We are finding new ways to interact both in person, from a far and moving forward, while maintaining connection and closeness from a distance.”
“WAKE UP!”
EAST Kent Ave S. - North Facade
Mural Statement:
“‘WAKE UP!’ is a playful take on how difficult it can be to wake up first thing in the morning. A visceral caffeine explosion right in the face of this sleepy figure to bring her to life for the day. Like the jolt of energy from a cup of coffee, Ciele Beau uses bright colours to activate this mural, and bring the concept to life (like Miss Sleepy). WAKE UP, and greet the day!”
“Spectrum Of Emotions”
EAST Kent Ave S. - North Facade
Mural Statement:
“Stripping layers of saturated emotions, or wearing those emotions like onesies to hide in your shell. The spectrum of human emotions are described by masks ranging from red to green. Red is the lowest vibration (fear) and green is a neutral state that we can potentially achieve. In the center, behind the masks is a silhouette of a child seed in black and white which is the spirit, the inner child, that drives and unites us all.”
“People Power”
EAST Kent Ave S. - North Facade
Mural Statement:
“The People Power Revolution was a series of popular demonstrations in the Philippines, mostly in Metro Manila, from February 22–25, 1986. There was a sustained campaign of civil resistance against regime violence and electoral fraud. Although small at the time, it is still so very applicable to the modern day.”
“Deep Wisdom”
EAST Kent Ave S. - North Facade
Mural Statement:
“An owl feels spiritual by nature. It's flight silent, movement swift and character wise. This piece is meant to reflect the balance we strive to attain in life. Reflecting a perception of depth through chromatic color, also representing a spectrum of who we are as people intergrated together from all around the globe. An inclusive atmosphere for each of us, gathering knowledge from eachothers culture and experiences. Turned into generational wisdom.”
“Dance With Me”
EAST Kent Ave S. - North Facade
Mural Statement:
“Living in the time of a pandemic and the need for social isolation, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by stress and uncertainty. Yearning for freedom and carefree days inspires me to draw images of women lost in dance - unburdened and unafraid.
“Dance with Me” is a whimsical piece that celebrates community and our relationship with the natural world. A diverse group of women come together to dance uninhibitedly, striking silly poses and revelling in them. They cavort amongst the flora and fauna, in harmony with their surroundings. I hope people find the work as uplifting as it was for me to create it.”
“Entangled”
EAST Kent Ave S. - North Facade
Mural Statement:
"Entangled", like much of my work, explores our relationship to the world around us. I like to think of my work as a portal into a surreal, yet familiar, world where reality is suspended and possibilities are endless.
“Furry Glitch”
EAST Kent Ave S. - North Facade
Mural Statement:
“For this mural I wanted to take the opportunity to do a celebration piece for our closest pet companions: Dogs & Cats. I have selected vibrant, complimentary colours which play on a blue starry night theme with neon street signs lighting up the animals. The cat image in the centre of the piece incorporates a glitch that extends and is pulsing outwards to the bordering dogs, which further allows me to play with colour, composition, and the dynamic energy of the pets.”
“Leg Work”
EAST Kent Ave S. - North Facade
Mural Statement:
“This mural is primarily inspired by its surrounding environment - Outdoors on a walking path, promoting movement and diversity in both colour and style. It also serves as a reminder to do the legwork in a time of oversaturated shortcuts and misinformation.”
All of River District’s murals were supported by Wesgroup.
See the other 8 neighbourhoods’ new murals from VMF2020: Robson, Gastown, Marpole, South Granville, Downtown, West End, Mount Pleasant, and Strathcona.
Download our free Mobile App for self guided tours and more information on the 250+ murals across the city! Look for the "2020 River District" Collection to find these 10 new murals!
All photos by Gabriel Martins
