Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea

Mural, 73’ X 13’, 2019

Liang You Book Co. at 218 E Georgia St, Chinatown, Vancouver

Commissioned by the City of Vancouver as part of Chinatown Mural Program

“Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea” is a familiar story from Chinese folklore about eight immortals crossing the East Sea differently with their special powers. The saying “eight immortals crossing the sea, each with their prowess” has become an allegory to describe how everyone has a unique way to complete the task. The eight immortals, in the context of migration, can be seen as representations and celebrations of diversity in all the individuals that make up the history of Vancouver’s Chinatown: those who have overcome difficulties, and those who have made contributions to this community, each in their own way.

We hope the mural, through its exploration of Chinese mythology in a local context, can act as a catalyst to re-imagine Vancouver’s Chinatown, its history, and its people as the work re-interprets a traditional story in celebration of the real stories of the community members who shaped this neighbourhood. We also hope the depiction of a classic legend can spark conversations between generations, and provide an opportunity to bridge cultures.

《八仙過海》是一個廣為人知的中國神話,講述了八位神仙各自施展法力橫渡東海的故事。由此故事發展出的諺語—「八仙過海,各顯神通」寓意每個人都有其獨特的方法去戰勝困難。重新詮釋的「八仙」也象徵了所有通過不同方式跨海來到這片土地,戰勝困難,為唐人街社區做出貢獻的人們。八卦藝術家小組嘗試用壁畫形式呈現神話故事《八仙過海》,並傳遞其背後蘊藏的象徵意義。

壁畫本身在溫哥華唐人街獨特社區文化的基礎上為唐人街提供了新的想像空間,為觀看者理解唐人街社區的歷史和社區成員提供了新的內容。通過重新詮釋的《八仙過海》故事來讚揚所有參與建設唐人街社區的個體和其人生經歷;同時可以為⻑者和⻘少年,華裔和非華裔加拿大人之間的交流搭建橋樑。