Rewilding (Autumn & Spring), 2024–25

Rewilding (Autumn & Spring) considers the disappearance of the once-ubiquitous Vancouver Special within our changing urban landscape. Proliferating in the 1970s, the Vancouver Special was a quick and relatively affordable housing style that developed throughout the Lower Mainland and became associated with immigrant and working-class families. Because of their proliferation, homogeneous design, and use by marginalized residents, this architectural style soon acquired a contentious reputation and was eventually halted by new municipal bylaws in the mid-1980s. Now these homes are being demolished to make way for new forms of urban development.

This installation at Aberdeen Station is part of an ongoing project by the artist in response to the region’s changing built environment. The photo installation depicts two concrete lion finials salvaged from the gates of a demolished Vancouver Special. Each season, the lions are painted and placed in various overgrown locations throughout the city. Mimicking their original position at the gates of the former home, the reimagined lions stand guard at the entrance to the Canada Line station. As the Vancouver Special and its residing guardians disappear, Rewilding (Autumn & Spring) attempts to imagine new possibilities for inhabiting the city.

Presented and funded by the City of Richmond Public Art Program and Richmond Art Gallery in partnership with Capture.