Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre 1998
The Cranes: The National Tribute to Japanese Canadian
Life is a collaboration of Philip Beesley and sculptor Kai Chan.
The Cranes: The National Tribute to Japanese Canadian Life is located
in the Auditorium Lobby of the new Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
building . The Cranes is a special project transforming a donor
recognition wall into a dynamic monument to the Japanese Canadian
community. A long, low wall runs along the breadth of the installation,
holding two thousand names etched on glass tiles. Above is a folded
glass screen carrying an embroidered field of hundreds of cranes,
etched into the reflective surfaces. The installation invites continuing
participation of community members. We anticipate continuous activities
by the community throughout the year: the changing seasons, festivities,
birthdays, and anniversaries. Responding to this, a stone ledge
is placed between the upper and the lower section providing a place
for offering and communication. We imagine placing a devotion here
might become an annual event for many members of the community.
On the other hand, reactions can be spontaneous: placing a flower;
stopping to meditate on a personal moment; making a gesture to honour
and pay tribute to special people and their lives.
