VMF2022 Neighbourhood: Marpole
Marpole is one of Vancouver’s more hidden gems. Unbeknownst to most, Marpole is one of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods possessing a rich historical past. Located in southwest Vancouver, it was originally home to the Musqueam First Nations people.
In 2022 the Marpole mural gallery gets three new additions along Granville st, between 63rd st and 64th st.
“We Are Still Here”, by Diamond Point, conveys the longstanding presence and history that Musqueam peoples have to this place and territory. On Granville Street, you will find c̓əsnaʔəm, an ancient village and burial site that dates to at least 4,000 years. On the east wall of the mural, the design consists of a spindle whorl disc in the centre with two t̕əχəla (projectile points), mimicking a “Salish eye” design. To the Musqueam, these items would be known as ʔeləw̓k̓ʷ (ancestral belongings). “It is important for those viewing this mural to have awareness that our belongings have been excavated and removed from our territory since the late 1800s, especially at sites like c̓əsnaʔəm”, says Diamond.
“Midnight Delights”, by Jillian Mundy, is a dreamy moon-bathed scene intended to evoke a sense of playfulness and invite passers-by to take a moment to stop and smell the flowers. Jillian draws inspiration from the traditional symbolic connotations of peonies and chrysanthemums. The former is a symbol of honour, romance, and beauty while the latter symbolizes friendship, happiness, and well-being. Her approach can be described as illustrative and bold and uses an unconventional nighttime setting to contrast the colours of her large-scale botanical subjects, giving the work a more dreamlike quality.
“The Holistic Dilemma”, by Reese Shen, intends to bring light to smaller and less known species native to BC that are or were at risk such as the banded cord moss to the blue-grey tail dropper. The “red string of fate/destiny” is a Chinese belief that there is an invisible red-string connecting people who are destined to meet. Although this belief is often associated with romantic relationships, it is also analogous to the biological symbiosis that occurs in all living things and how we are connected for survival and in precarious ways.
While you’re in Marpole, be sure to find some of the beautiful VMF murals from previous years of the festival, including the Instagram favourite “Love All Your Neighbours” by Jocelyn Wong at 8337 Granville Street.
Download our free Mobile App for self guided tours and more information on the 350+ murals across the city! Look for the "Marpole" Collection to find the new murals!
MARPOLE MURAL TOURS BY CURATED TASTES, PRESENTED BY HERSCHEL SUPPLY
Connect with the riverfront community of Marpole, one of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods and one with strong historical connections with the Musqueam, Chinese, and Japanese peoples. Learn how the meaningful murals in Marpole celebrate the neighbourhood’s multi-ethnic character and its biodiversity.
Dates: August 11 and 13
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
BOOK YOUR SPOT HERE.
MEET THE MARPOLE MURAL ARTISTS:
