Artist Branden Cha unveiled a new mural in Edmonton’s Chinatown, the Azure Dragon of the East, as part of the Four Guardians project. The mural symbolizes protection of sacred places and brings a message of inclusion and responsibility to the community. The Azure Dragon joins the White Tiger of the West, with plans for the Vermilion Bird of the South and Black Tortoise of the North to be added in the future. Cha aims to spread a message of respect and collaboration, not only within the Chinatown community but also towards the local Indigenous population. The mural’s poem reflects on sharing the land with Indigenous Peoples and acknowledging past wrongs, especially regarding issues like homelessness among Indigenous people.
As Canada prepares to commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the dragon mural serves as a tribute to Indigenous communities. Cha emphasizes the importance of learning from Indigenous communities and understanding their history on the land. He highlights the need for adequate resources for the unhoused population, particularly Indigenous individuals, including shelters and services to support them in getting back on their feet. The project partners also stress the importance of considering these societal challenges in plans for the revitalization of Chinatown, ensuring that any efforts are grounded in cultural values and a sense of responsibility to the community.
The mural project in Chinatown is part of a broader initiative to engage with local communities and celebrate cultural heritage through art. William Lau, from Chinatown RE:VITA, emphasizes the need for a deep sense of responsibility in any revitalization efforts for Chinatown. He underscores the importance of ensuring that future plans for the area are rooted in cultural values and promote a sense of community well-being. By integrating themes of respect, collaboration, and shared responsibility, the Four Guardians project aims to inspire positive change and promote unity within the diverse Chinatown community.
Incorporating elements of traditional symbolism and mythology, the Four Guardians project by Branden Cha seeks to bring a sense of protection and spiritual significance to Edmonton’s Chinatown. The Azure Dragon, as the latest addition to the series, reflects Cha’s commitment to honoring cultural traditions and promoting a message of unity and mutual respect. By highlighting the importance of collaborating with Indigenous communities and acknowledging historical injustices, Cha’s mural serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all residents in Edmonton’s Chinatown.
By centering the themes of inclusion, responsibility, and cultural awareness in the mural project, Branden Cha and his collaborators are aiming to foster a sense of community pride and connection among residents of Edmonton’s Chinatown. The project serves as a visual representation of the values that shape the neighborhood, including a commitment to social justice and collaboration with Indigenous communities. As the Four Guardians project continues to evolve with the addition of more murals, it is poised to become a powerful symbol of unity and respect, reinforcing the idea that art can serve as a catalyst for positive social change and community engagement in urban spaces like Chinatown.
