The pattern for the circular design in the centre of One Song Staircase comes from a recording of the poem One Song, created by Nanaimo's poet laureate as part of the project. (Facebook/Humanity in Art)

By Spencer Sterritt

one song staircase

New artwork brings colour and inspiration to downtown Nanaimo

Jul 14, 2020 | 2:02 PM

NANAIMO — A previously grey and drab corner of downtown Nanaimo is now bright and vibrant with new colourful artwork.

The artist duo Humanity in Art unveiled their piece One Song Staircase on Monday, July 13.

It features bright colours on the steps from Diana Krall Plaza to Wharf St. leading to a radial pattern in the centre of the space. The pattern is based on the audio waves of artist Lauren Semple speaking words from the accompanying poem written by Nanaimo’s poet laureate Tina Biello. Words from the poem were then painted onto the cement architecture around the space.

“Each item you see is a representation or symbol of something in Tina’s poem,” Semple said. “These types of installations are really important for connecting community to the urban spaces we have and love here in Nanaimo.”

Semple said they worked to utilize the existing architecture as much as possible.

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“We noticed grooves in the amazing cement work were travelling together, bouncing off one another and intersecting but remaining different,” she told a crowd of councillors and art enthusiasts on Monday.

“We wanted to use them to symbolize the journey our different community members are on right now as they separate but interact as we navigate the situation together.”

The poem from Biello speaks to Nanaimo residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, touching on the 7 p.m. cheer for frontline workers and the many ways people have reached out while isolating themselves.

A full version of the poem can be downloaded and listened to by scanning the QR code included in the artwork at the installation.

The artwork was commissioned by the City of Nanaimo.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt