Stunning Art Piece to Memorialize Chinese Settlers in New Westminster As Part of Reconciliation Agreement

In 2027, at the western part of Agnes Street, the residents of New Westminster will have a small garden park enhanced by a stunning piece of art that pays tribute to the history of the Chinese community in this city.

The city embarked on a Chinese reconciliation process in 2010. The result was the promise of 10 actions, one of which is the park. It promises to be a fitting tribute to the City's historic Chinese community.  According to Mayor Patrick Johnstone, there is historical evidence that there were, at least, two Chinatowns in New Westminster.

In this video, you will meet the artist-sculptor, Karen Tam, who has just been commissioned to make what is a stunning fence that will edge the park. It is to be located on the former site of the Chinese Benevolent Society.The artwork is called “Grove of Wild Bamboo and Sweet Peas”. 

The fence is made up of 10 elaborate see-through panels that tell the story of the Chinese people of this city, connecting their history, the present and the future. The panels take their inspiration from Chinese hand-scroll paintings, paper-cutting and latticework. 

Karen takes viewers on a virtual stroll alongside the illustration of the fence, describing in detail the meaning of each panel. For example, one pays tribute to the Chinese-Canadian parachutists in the 2nd world war. Another is a visual reminder of a parade float by the Chinese women of the City.

Karen is an award-winning artist and curator in Montreal and she is also an Adjunct curator at Griffin Art Projects in North Vancouver. She has exhibited in North America, Europe and China. She has an MFA in sculpture and a Phd in Cultural Studies.