A Pattern Language

The Grey Nuns/Tawa community is part of Millwoods; a region defined by its cultural diversity with different ethnic groups living in the community. The area continues to welcome newcomers from different countries. This diversity is expressed through indigenous motifs; a border of designs includes the groups found in this area.

People often identify with their indigenous roots through their clothing. A community’s textiles develops distinctive traditional characteristics and the cloth produced epitomizes the culture that produces it. The history of cloth is one of cross cultural exchange and communication with a rich history of storytelling. Cultures have traded and borrowed from one another for hundreds of years, assimilating motifs from other cultures and adding their own spin on it. We often see similarities in designs; we have been more connected than we realize. Language may create barriers but the visual language of fabric unites us all.

Size: 30 inches high x 30 inches deep x 53 feet long

Materials: Aluminum, paint.

Location: Located in Millwoods by the Grey Nuns Hospital, 31st Ave, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Commissioned by the Edmonton Arts Council & the City of Edmonton.