Central Vancouver in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)
Wind Wheel Mobile
Asbestos causes 40 percent of work-related deaths in North America.
The installation recalls the ominous history of asbestos from when it was heralded as a "magic mineral" to recognition of its devastating impact on human health.
While banned in Canada in 2018, asbestos-related diseases can take up to 30 years to emerge. There is no cure.
This memorial is a project of the BC Labour Heritage Centre and is included as part of the Vancouver Convention Centre's Art Program sharing the history of labour in British Columbia. We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia, WorksSafeBC, BC Pavilion Cooperation and many donors.
Artist concept
Wind Wheel Mobile is a kinetic weathervane with many wheels moving in harmony and driven only by the breeze. As a symbol for life, death and renewal, this mobile is a potent metaphor.
Structural elements of this sculpture have a visual relationship to the lungs and bronchial airway of the human body. Airborne asbestos fibres bear a close resemblance to rotating spokes on the wheels.
As the wind changes direction, so does the position of the mobile...this multi-directional natural speaks to the variety of societal initiative employed to raise public awareness of asbestos dangers.
Doug R Taylor - Artist
Doug fell in love with handmade backyard weathervanes at an early age. This fueled his passion for building whimsical mobiles that reflect the storyline of a site.
The use of wind as energy to articulate sculpture reconnects us with the deeper invisible elements at play on earth, helping us to stand in awe.
Awards:
2009 Art in America Bird Song Listening Station (Seattle Center) was selected in 19 top international public art works.
Doug lives and works in Vancouver, BC.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 2018.
Location. 49° 17.422′ N, 123° 7.063′ W. Marker is in Vancouver, British Columbia, in Metro Vancouver. It is in Central Vancouver. Marker is on Canada Place. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 76-1055 Canada Place, Vancouver BC, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Unstable Politics (a few steps from this marker); The Olympic Cauldron (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Jack Poole Plaza (about 120 meters away); Komagata Maru (about 150 meters away); Canada Pavillion (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Canada Place (approx. half a kilometer away); Ceperley Rounsefell Building (approx. half a kilometer away); BC & Yukon Chamber of Mines (approx. half a kilometer away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vancouver.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 65 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 16, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.