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Artist (BDes 2016) made headlines recently for his colourful contribution to a series of public artworks celebrating this year’s Vancouver Sun Run.

Along with fellow local artists and , Andrew is one of three artists commissioned by Shaw Communications to create a “captivating art piece that evokes a sense of togetherness and belonging at a time when we have to be physically apart,” .

The mural, created by Andrew digitally and later printed for application onto the sidewalk, reflects themes the artist has been exploring throughout the past year. While working on the 2020 Vancouver Mural Festival’s Make Art While Apart campaign, which saw local artists painting boarded-up storefronts, Andrew says the idea behind his Sun Run mural first began to emerge.

“[The Mural Festival] had a similar theme of isolation and staying connected during this time,” he says. “So, I wanted to expand on that idea, but in this sense, engage with the running community this time.”

The relationship between isolation and togetherness are visible in the flow between the mural’s various elements. Layered into the composition are references to practices such as relay running, where batons are exchanged between athletes.

“We’re all pulling each other through this journey,” Andrew tells the Daily Hive.

Chethan Lakshman, vice president of external affairs at Shaw Communications, says the artworks are meant to encourage the “electric” atmosphere among the tens of thousands of runners at the annual event.

“The murals provide a beacon around which runners can plan their route and, when they post pictures to social media, is another way runners can celebrate their participation in the Vancouver Sun Run while giving visibility to the new work of local artists,” he says.

The murals were temporary, and on view only through the April 30 weekend.

Dig deeper into Andrew’s art practice, including his ongoing mural work, by visiting or . You can read more about the Sun Run mural project via the and .