The Drum of Concordia
The Drum of Concordia is a public art project by artist Ovvian Castrillo Hill in partnership with the City of Fort St. John with the support of STEPS Public Art as part of the CreateSpace Public Art Residency.
This interactive installation combines textiles, light, and sound to reflect the weaving of different cultures and the community moving to the same beat.
Project at a glance
Location: Pomeroy Sports Center, 9324 96 St, Fort St. John, British Columbia
Artists: Ovvian Castrillo Hill
Documentarians: Janis Nual
Year: 2023-2024
Services: Artist Capacity Building
1
artist-in-residence
1
public unveiling
90
days on display
1000+
views by the public
About The Drum of Concordia
The Drum of Concordia (also known as the Goddess of Harmony) by artist Ovvian Castrillo Hill was inspired by the idea of the community moving together to the same heartbeat. The large-scale drum-like sculpture includes a series of lantern posts that illuminate fabric images selected by the artist, as well as an audio component where visitors can walk through the installation and listen to the heartbeat sounds on display. This public art project is highly visible during the day and at night where it can be found at the Pomeroy Sports Center, one of the newest facilities in the city.
In partnership with the City of Fort St. John through STEPS Public Art’s CreateSpace Public Art Residency, The Drum of Concordia represents the weaving of the various cultures of the people who live in Fort St. John, and community moving together as one.
“Through the program, STEPS allowed me to gain experience. STEPS was very good at communicating and connecting with me, especially during the development process.”
Artist Statement
English: The Drum of Concordia (Roman Goddess of Harmony) is an interactive installation to depict the harmony of the various cultures that makes up the Fort St. John society. It represents a large-scale drum where people could walk though. The canopy is held up by truss posts featuring various fabrics and elements from many cultures found in our area–showing how the shade and comfort comes as a result of us standing together in harmony in a place we all call home. It is this partnership in community building that makes us one.
Tagalog: Ang Drum of Concordia (Diwata ng Pagkakaisa), ay isang instilasyong maaaring galawan na naglalarawan sa pagkakatugma ng iba’t ibang kultura na bumubuo sa lipunan ng Fort St. John. Ito ay isang malakihang drum kung saan maaaring maglakad ang mga tao. Ang bubong nito ay sinusuportahan ng mga posteng nagtatampok ng iba’t ibang tela at elemento mula sa maraming kultura na matatagpuan sa ating lugar–na nagpapakita na ang lilim at kaginhawaan as resulta ng ating pakikipang ambag sa kaayusan dito sa lugar na tinatawag nating atiing bayan. Itong pakikipagtulungan sa pagbuo ng komunidad ang nagbubuo sa atin pagkakaisa.
About the Artists
Ovvian Castrillo Hill
Artist-in-residence
Ovvian Castrillo Hill is a visual artist and curator based in Fort St John, BC. She is passionate about the celebration of various cultures, their common ground in humanity; and seeks to heighten this by the use of elements of cultural value and representation into her art. An established metal work sculptor in the Philippines, Ovvian pivots to create a different language in her work in Canada, using images, materials and social realities as the backdrop for her creations. Her art is a celebration of people and the places they live in together.
Partners
Funders
The CreateSpace Residency is supported by the Canada Council for the Arts and TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment. We also acknowledge the support of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation with funding provided by the Government of Canada.
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