The ReWilders by Robert Turriff
Located in Colliery Dam Park, tucked into the greenery where invasive ivy grows, the two dynamic sculptures symbolize 'rewilding,' the practice of restoring natural habitats. Depicted in the act of removing invasive species and planting native plants, they represent the importance of land stewardship.
The ReWilders are imaginative, sci-fi inspired creatures designed by youth from the Nanaimo community in a collaborative public engagement workshop led by artist Robert Turriff as part of the City’s Temporary Public Art Program. Eleven youth participated in the free workshop where they created unique, small-scale designs inspired by themes of ecology and plant life. The resulting creatures (Chopper and Jeremy) were chosen by all participating youth for large-scale fabrication by the artist. Winter Stewart is the young artist that designed the Jeremy model, and Aidan Araujo-Djilas designed Chopper. The collaborative effort undertaken by the artist in the development of the artwork, represents an intentional process of fostering dialogue, facilitating community involvement and encouraging active engagement and participation by Nanaimo’s youth in the City’s cultural landscape.
The ReWilders have been deliberately installed in Colliery Dam Park where the City of Nanaimo and community volunteers are actively involved in removing invasive species and restoring natural habitats. This artwork underscores the significance of native ecosystems which support local wildlife, boost climate resilience and endure environmental challenges like drought and climate change.
Additional information on the project, including interactive animations and more on the artist’s process, can be found on the City's website.
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