I was pained to know that the Terry Rodgers Bridge Mural in Whistler was recently tagged by someone I’m sure had no idea what he or she was doing.
In fact, Chili Thom and I pitched this mural project to the RMOW in 2007, and it was the first public art project of its kind.
For those who don’t know, Chili Thom was a well-respected artist in the Sea to Sky region, who passed away four years ago at 40 years of age.
Murals are more than just a creative expression of a local artist: They are a starting point to a public conversation.
Tagging murals is lame no matter what city you are in, and I firmly believe you invalidate your create voice by doing so. Really, it’s the inability to see the “bigger picture” behind the mural.
Whistler constantly reinvents itself, and it doesn’t surprise me that a person travelling there missed the public art conversation and the history behind this art project.
An artist, I believe, must instinctively know an artist, and have the capability to reflect upon and respect the human being who created the art and whose loss we still mourn.
Ironically, the kid that tagged this mural probably had no idea what he or she was doing.
But, we will sort out this situation and perhaps the lack of artistic conversation that had led to this. In fact, the The Chili Thom foundation and the RMOW are working on a solution.
Sadly, this isn’t the first time a mural has been tagged.
The Flamingo Mural in Downtown Squamish, created as part of the Squamish Mural Festival, was also tagged last year. It was an art project funded by the district, but too many tags ultimately failed and betrayed the project.
There were many social media posts and messages from friends and locals who assured me the project added value to our community. Of course, people who tagged it didn’t believe that, and their actions only created visual stress and rendered this wall mute.
Sadly, with COVID-19, the mural fest won’t happen this year and the need to fix this past mural project will loom in the public eye.
I have a simple message for those who tagged the murals in Squamish and Whistler: We are artists and both our thoughts matter, only the approach is difference.
I also ask you: Have you ever been inspired after a discussion?
Yes, a community dialogue can be discussed with murals. If we value a visual dialogue enough, we can certainly overlook a short sighted profane group of letters.
Let’s spark a creative, positive conversation around art. I think Chili would like that.
Stan Matwychuk is a local artist who has created several murals in the Sea to Sky area.
Heather says
Yes ignorance is everywhere. Let’s use our energy to create more beautiful things that many will appreciate . Appreciating your art👍😊🙏❤️..
Jane Nielsen says
Hi Stan,
My name is Jane and I am a local here in Whistler since 2000. I am a dental hygienist in the community and Chili Thom was a patient of mine. Chili wasn’t just a patient, he we was a friend. He was someone that I looked forward to catching up with over teeth. I loved hearing about all his adventures and where he was in the journey of his life. I took care of Chili’s dental care after his diagnosis and was witness to a small glimpse of his struggles. I don’t need to tell you how amazing a human being Chili was. My heart is still saddened over his passing.
I live in White Gold and walk my dog almost daily under the Terry Rogers bridge. I always stop and pause, I really do, and think of Chili. Some days his mural makes me happy and I say hello to Chili and then other days his beautiful works makes me pensive. But one thing is certain, I am always with him as I pass under the bridge.
I was crushed when I walked under Terry Roger’s bridge, with my dog, early last week. Chili Thom’s mural had been tagged. How could they, how could they do this to Chili’s work. How can someone be so selfish. Defacing someone’s spirit, someone’s time, someone’s energy, someone’s opus. What possesses someone to do that. I’m incensed.
On a more positive note, I understand that the Chili Thom Foundation and the RMOW are working on a solution. If there is a way that I can help, I would be more than happy to be a part of the restitution of the mural.
I’ve had a need to express my affection for Chili since he passed, so these words have been cathartic.
Thank you Stan for hearing me.
Best regards,
Jane Nielsen
Stan, if you have any insight about the old man lying down, that is painted at the bottom right corner on Chili’s mural that is on the opposing side of the bridge, I would love to know the back story. It’s something I wanted to ask Chili ,but didn’t get the chance.
Stan Matwychuk says
Thank you for the reply Jane. I am sure your sentiments echo through the sea to sky corridor. We (RMOW/ Chilifoundation) will be planning an event soon and will reach out to the Whistler public at a closer time.
The b&w white piece is another tag addition. We will be sorting that one out as well before we anti grafitti seal the mural..
Jane Nielsen says
Hi Stan,
Thank you for your reply. Much appreciated. How will you be reaching out to the whistler public, as I would really like to attend the event and would hate to miss it.
Stan, do you have any insight to the man that is painted at the bottom of Chili’s mural?
Regards,
Jane
Jane Nielsen says
Hi Stan,
I misunderstood your reply. The b&w that you mentioned that is another tag, is the ‘old man’.
Thank you.
Jane