Postures in Protest (Jim Deva Plaza)
Public artwork with 6 double-sided lightbox signs
24" x 36" x 6" (61 x 91.5 x 15.2 cm) each
2016
Situated at the Jim Deva Plaza in Vancouver's West End, Postures in Protest is a series of six double-sided lightbox signs that feature assemblages of adverbs, describing the ways in which individuals manifest their dissent in popular protests. These adverbs, in their role as modifiers of verbs, shed light on the choreography of specific actions, emphasizing the unwavering determination of those who rise in opposition to violations of human rights.
Installed at a public site dedicated to the late Jim Deva, a community activist and founder of Vancouver's queer bookstore Little Sister's, the project pays homage to the activist’s advocacy for LGBTQ2+ rights and his battle against censorship. It is a celebration of the generations of queer individuals who, like Deva, have courageously fought for recognition and justice, and continue to do so around the world today.
This project was commissioned by Vancouver's West End Business Improvement Association in conjunction with Lumière Festival 2016, and curated by Burrard Arts Foundation. Photos by Dennis Ha.
