ESHLHIHKW’IWS combines the rich cultural heritage of the Squamish and other Coast Salish peoples of the Pacific Northwest with the transformative power of light to captivate spectators. This thoughtful and awe-inspiring display is set against the backdrop of a bustling urban milieu in one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada.
The piece honours Coast Salish cultural heritage through its visual tribute to the life-giving figures known as The Sacred Four: the Thunderbird, guardian of the land; the Salmon, a symbol of nourishment and environmental health; Water, the giver of life; and Sky, the steadfast source of the air we breathe.
Standing 7 metres tall, the artwork is crafted from eight 3.2-meter-wide, laser-cut aluminum panels.
The vision behind the piece was to create a subtle yet striking installation that remains visible from various vantage points, including a nearby elevated train station, where it can be admired by pedestrians, transit passengers, and urban commuters alike.
The laser-cut panels are illuminated from both the front and the back by linear wall grazers concealed at the base of each panel. The front face is lit with 4000K static white light, while RGBW wall grazers project a vibrant multicolour sequence onto the stark grey wall panels in the background.
Each night, ESHLHIHKW’IWS comes alive, with its carefully curated hues shining through. Deep teal and blue tones—chosen to evoke the vast expanses of rivers, oceans, and skies surrounding the Pacific Northwest—emulate movement as shadows ripple through their azure ribbons in an intimate dance.
Sporadic surges of yellow light rise from behind the Thunderbird, conjuring its legendary control over lightning, while red rays blend into the blue hues, symbolizing the life-giving blood of the salmon— as a source of vitality, as celebrated in Squamish tradition.
The transitions devised for ESHLHIHKW’IWS infuse the piece with energy, crafting a narrative that is both soothing and dynamic. The seamless choreography of these transitions blends light and material into a cohesive and integrated whole.
The nightly closing sequence offers viewers a mesmerizing interplay of white and blue hues that filter through the laser-cut openings. This creates a living watercolor of reflections, reminiscent of clouds mirrored on still waters.
These lights not only illuminate the aluminum elements but also animate them—each dependent on the other to tell a story of connection and interdependence.
Extensive mock-up sessions ensured the selection of optimal luminaire types and placements. The design strategy significantly reduced the number of light fixtures, lowering energy consumption while creating depth and lighting effects that traditional backlit systems could not achieve.
A custom hinge system facilitates easy access to luminaires for maintenance, while lighting studies ensured the visibility of the art installation without causing glare for nearby residences. Narrow optic light distribution minimizes light pollution, and all fixtures are programmed to switch off after midnight to conserve energy and avoid disrupting local wildlife.
ESHLHIHKW’IWS marries light and material, celebrating nature as humanity’s ultimate universal heritage—something to be cherished and responsibly stewarded for generations to come.
