Fabric of the City (Clareview Station)
Condor
The condor is a huge bird with a vast flight range. Latin Americans are incredibly diverse and span 2 continents - our community engagement session included peoples from Peru, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, Chile, Venezuela. Many people referenced the Condor and the Andes as a symbol of South America.
Fox
It was in 1911 that Chinatown really began in Edmonton, along the east end of Jasper ave. The shopkeepers were popular as they were open late and stocked supplies for those heading further north to the gold rush. In the 1930’s, the Chinese Exclusion Act restricted Chinese from bringing their families. Only single working men could afford the head tax.
Phoenix
This Phoenix, from a Qun Kwa (wedding dress), represents femininity. Wedding dresses are often passed down between generations, and can be a way to honour one’s heritage and culture. Chinese Cultural Associations were another important way culture was preserved.
Arpilleras
Created on old burlap sacks using scraps of colourful fabric and thread, arpilleras were used to describe scenes and tell stories. Often, during times of struggle, arpilleras contained stories of political resistance and social upheaval, that were not safe to discuss openly. Music, performance and art have always been central to expressing political resistance, identity and culture across Latin America.
The Cueca Sola is a dance of protest - a dance meant for two, being danced alone, making apparent how much was missing due to oppression.
Elephant
The elephant is an important symbol of family. In Edmonton, families of mixed Singhalese and Tamil heritage shared that they find hope and healing through their community, their union, and their children.
Paisley Drops
Paisley Drops are used frequently in Sri Lankan design, and are often referred to as a ‘Mango Seed.’ Food, dance, clothing and music all play important roles in passing Sri Lankan culture on to the next generation.
Carabao
The carabao, a type of water buffalo, is an important animal in the Philippines. A labour animal on farms around the country, the carabao is a symbol of the rural life and perseverance at the heart of Filipino identity.
“The Filipino migration story also showcases the resilience of the Filipino. While facing challenges, there is a firm resolve to get through it for family and the promise of a better life.” - Myra, during our community engagement session
Barong
The Barong is a traditional shirt, sometimes made from pineapple fibers. Early Filipino migration was in search of education and opportunity. By the 80’s and 90’s, many came on migrant worker programs which resulted in a lot of family separation and sacrifice.
Interpretive Panel / Artist Statement: Fabric of the City
For this fifth and final Paint the Rails mural, we joined together with Edmonton’s Chinese, Sri Lankan, Latin American and Filipino communities to learn about the local moments that matter to each identity, and how they all have shaped the history and culture of our city.
This mural features culturally important textiles: fabrics, clothing, blankets and woven items were shared with us that hold meaning and stories from each cultural community’s diverse traditions. These photos and descriptions became the basis for this mural.
While each of these communities are vibrant and varied, there remain key themes in common among all, revealing an interconnected and dynamic history of hope and belonging that helps tell us about Edmonton as a city. Community Partners shared diaspora experiences of second, third, fourth generation roots; recounting the importance of restoring connections with ancestral knowledge and reclaiming cultural traditions. Many recounted tales and trials of the refugee and newcomer experience; revealing journeys of perseverance, courage and resilience. The Chinese community has deep roots in Edmonton well over 100 years old - the stories shared touched on the power of reconnecting generations, and strength through collaboration. The communities we spoke to shared the generational impacts of their migration stories, sharing themes of connecting to heritage while finding home in a new land.
The textiles chosen tell stories in a variety of ways - some, like the Hmong Story Cloth and the Chilean Arpillera, paint a literal scene through which histories can be recorded and passed down. Others, like the Filipino Barong and Sablay shared by Ryan and Kehrl, speak to important life events and celebrations. Symbols like the Chinese Phoenix, inspired directly by the brocade of community member Kathryn’s qun kwa (traditional wedding dress), or the Sri Lankan Elephant baatik shared by Chitra, are rich with meaning. Community organizations, like Migrante, taught us about the sense of identity that a garment such as the poncho of the Mapuche people represents. The way each textile is designed and produced, the lifestyles or moments it is intended for, and how it has been altered and adapted between generations speak volumes. Similarly, the cultural fabric of this city is woven and worn by many.