September 17 – November 14, 2010
Opening: Thursday September 16, 7–9 pm

Since the mid-19th century the Fraser and Yangtze rivers have connected migrants from around the world as China and Canada both became enmeshed in an emerging global economy. Starting with the migration of Chinese labourers to the Fraser River for the gold rush of 1858 and the late 19th century migration of Canadian missionaries to the Yangtze River region, these rivers have become over-written with histories, memories and the material traces of migration. In providing vital transit access between the Pacific Ocean and inland areas, these rivers can be understood as complex “waterscapes” in which uneven experiences of displacement, dispossession, and adaptation occur.

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY




RELATED PROGRAMMING

Lightning Tours
Most Wednesdays
12:05 - 12:15pm
Join us for a 10 minute tour of the exhibition.
Free admission. Richmond Art Gallery

Up the Yangtze
Film Screenings
Wednesday October 20, 1:30pm
Thursday October 25, 7pm
Download pdf flyer
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Up the Yangtze, is a dramatic, award winning documentary that follows a luxury cruise boat down the Yangtze River. It looks at a young family (among over one million people who were displaced) whose lives are changed forever due to the building of the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric dam in history.
Free admission. Richmond Cultural Centre.

Swimming the River:
Panel Discussion with Gu Xiong
Thursday October 28, 7:30pm
Download pdf flyer
—
This discussion looks at what happens when large numbers of people move around the world. What are the implications? What are some of the local and global transformations that are taking place?
Free admission. Richmond Art Gallery.



Left: Gu Xiong, Red River, installation, paper boat, dimensions variable, 2008