Traffic Control boxes are a valuable component of urban infrastructure. Appearing at almost every intersection, they are responsible for traffic light signal phase changes. However, they are not always the most sightly. For this reason, the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District put out a call for artists to create artwork for these boxes. The theme was "Community."
Artwork concept:
As a child of immigrant Chinese parents, the events surrounding the history of Chinese immigration to Canada resonate with me deeply. Growing up as a minority in Canada, I learned little about these events, though they were a fundamental part of Canada’s formation.
The purpose of my piece is to recognize the contributions of early Chinese immigrants to the development of Canada, despite the wide-spread discrimination and terror they faced. Chinese workers were first brought into Canada to build the Canadian Pacific Railway. Despite working in perilous conditions, Chinese workers were paid 70% less than those of white, black, or native descent.
After the railway was completed, the government neglected the Chinese people. Many were left jobless and susceptible to hatred and violence. This trend continued as the Canadian government implemented the Chinese Head Tax to discourage further Chinese immigration into Canada, followed by an outright ban in 1923. Many immigrants remained separated from their families until death, and their lives were spent in fear and in hiding (for example, in the Moose Jaw Tunnels).
Today, there are about 1.5 million Chinese people living in Canada. Though they only make up about 2% of the population in Regina, they are a vital part of our community. They are our neighbours, coworkers, and friends.
My piece is composed of a series of peonies, the national flower of China, and western red lilies, the floral emblem of Saskatchewan. Together, they symbolize harmony between two communities with very different pasts. The piece was created in a style reminiscent of traditional Chinese paintings, in hopes of introducing more eastern art styles to the local art community. The flowers are arranged over a prairie scene, where a train track meanders through, a reminder of the fundamental contribution Chinese Canadians made to the development of our country.
More information and other selected artists here:
reginadowntown.ca
