This 40-foot serpent sculpture in Vancouver is a reclamation of Squamish and Japanese art [Video]

James Nexw’Kalus-Xwalacktun Harry, a Squamish artist, and Lauren Brevner of Japanese and Trinidadian heritage, have been collaborating on art pieces for a decade.

The pair are partners in life and welcomed their daughter into the world two years ago. They thought of her as they pitched their latest public art project: a 40-foot sculpture of a two-headed snake located at the intersection of Granville Street and West Broadway, in Vancouver’s Fairview neighbourhood. 

The double-headed serpent, Sínulhḵay, is a supernatural being from a Squamish Nation story, and the sculpture was made using Japanese materials.

The piece, they say, will allow their daughter to see her cultures represented in the mainstream. 

“When we were talking about what was important to us, it always came back to her, how we want her to walk in her power and be represented in this world,” Brevener said.

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