Branden Cha, known as Busyrawk, unveiled his latest mural, the Azure Dragon of the East, in Edmonton’s Chinatown. This mural is part of the Four Guardians project, with the White Tiger of the West being the first guardian. The mural represents ancestral beasts protecting sacred places, spreading a message of inclusion and responsibility. The project will feature the Vermilion Bird of the South and the Black Tortoise of the North in the near future. Cha aims to bring awareness to the importance of Chinatown as a neighborhood of inclusion, with a responsibility to the local Indigenous community as well.
As National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches, the dragon mural pays tribute to the Indigenous peoples. The poem on the mural emphasizes the need to acknowledge past and present wrongs and to share the land with Indigenous communities. Cha emphasizes the importance of connecting with Indigenous communities to learn the history of the land and address issues such as homelessness, which disproportionately affects Indigenous people. He stresses the need for adequate resources, shelters, and services to help community members in need.
William Lau, with Chinatown RE: VITA, emphasizes the importance of considering the challenges faced by the local community in plans for revitalizing Chinatown. Revitalization should be grounded in culture and a sense of responsibility towards the community. Everyone involved in the project needs to ensure that their work and vision for the future of Chinatown are respectful and inclusive. The goal is to create a vibrant and welcoming community that embraces diversity and supports those in need.
The Four Guardians project is not just about creating beautiful murals but also about promoting a message of unity, responsibility, and respect. Through art, Cha hopes to bring awareness to the issues faced by marginalized communities and encourage collaboration and support between different groups. The murals serve as a reminder that everyone has a role to play in creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. By engaging with both the history of the land and the current challenges faced by the community, the project aims to foster understanding and healing.
The Azure Dragon of the East mural symbolizes protection and strength, reflecting the importance of standing up for what is right and supporting those in need. By highlighting the need to address issues such as homelessness and inequality, the mural encourages viewers to consider their own role in creating positive change. Through art and community engagement, Cha and his team are working towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all residents of Chinatown, including the Indigenous community. The project serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of coming together to address social issues and create a better future for all.
Overall, the unveiling of the Azure Dragon mural in Edmonton’s Chinatown marks a significant step towards promoting inclusivity, responsibility, and cultural preservation. The project not only celebrates the rich history and heritage of the community but also highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing social injustices. By focusing on unity, collaboration, and respect, the Four Guardians project aims to create a more vibrant and compassionate Chinatown that honors its past while embracing its future. Through art, storytelling, and community engagement, Cha and his team are paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for Edmonton’s Chinatown.
