Right here, towering above us, stands the East Van Cross. Officially named Monument for East Vancouver, the East Van Cross is more than just a sculpture. It is a symbol. It is a beacon. The East Van Cross embodies the spirit of a community.
Ken Lum, born in East Van in 1956, created this iconic artwork. Lum took inspiration from the graffiti seen on walls since the 1940s. This graffiti became a permanent fixture. Erected in 2010, the East Van Cross faces west towards downtown. It stands at East 6th Avenue and Clark Drive.
Initially, the East Van Cross was intended for Main Street near Broadway. Lum considered Main Street a divider of the city. He noticed the median in the middle of Main Street. However, the city deemed that location impossible. Lum proposed Kensington Park and Commercial Drive. These locations also faced opposition. The site at 6th and Clark turned out to be perfect.
An East Van resident perfectly described the East Van Cross’ significance. It was a symbol of rebelliousness with a shady gang history. The East Van Cross was a tag. They proudly put it up in washroom walls. It was their way of saying, “We are here. Don’t forget about us. Don’t mess with us.”
Vancouver had a bigger divide between East and West. There was a divide between working class and rich, immigrant and white. The East Van Cross reminded them to hold their heads up high. They should be proud of where they came from. It reminded west side kids not to make fun of their cheap cars or clothes. Otherwise, they would have no problem letting their fists talk.
Vancouver City Council approved a motion to relocate Ken Lum’s Monument to East Vancouver. They want a more accessible and visible spot. The East Van Cross is partially obscured by a nearby development. Private property constraints limit it. A new location has not yet been determined.
The 17-metre sculpture is illuminated at night. It is in the shape of a Latin Christian cross. The words “East” and “Van” share the letter “A”.
Mike Klassen, a born and raised East Vancouver kid remembers seeing the East Van Cross when he was young. Now people have it as tattoos and bumper stickers. It has become a very popular symbol for East-siders.
Relocating the East Van Cross reaffirms the city’s commitment to public art. It honors East Vancouver’s cultural history. The East Van Cross symbolizes the city’s pride and resilience. It embodies the rich cultural history of East Vancouver. The symbol reflects themes of marginality and defiance. It represents hope for East Vancouver. It speaks for the diverse immigrant and working-class communities.
The East Van Cross is a reminder of where this community has been. The East Van Cross is also a symbol of hope. The East Van Cross will continue to inspire Vancouverites for generations.