We Chatted With Artist Ola Volo About Her New Mural In Vancouver

Celebrated Canadian mural artist Ola Volo recently unveiled her latest public art piece inspired by the rich folklore and vibrant art scene of Strathcona, at the new residential development, Assembly. Strathcona and the Culturecrawl are big inspiration points for Ola who studied in Vancouver and she is excited to be back in the historic neighbourhood this week. We chatted with Ola to learn more. —Noa Nichol

This is your first ceiling mural, and it spans an impressive 4,000 square feet. What were some of the unique challenges or surprises you encountered while creating artwork on such a large scale and in such a dynamic space?

The Spirit of Assembly is my first ceiling mural, and it’s been an exciting new challenge for me. This piece wraps around and welcomes both residents and visitors, guiding them into the heart of the building and into the main courtyard. The perspective of a ceiling mural is something I’ve never explored before, but I wanted it to create a moment where you naturally look up and feel drawn into the space. It’s about creating a flow that feels both bold and harmonious, pulling you into the environment while making the ceiling come alive with the story of the neighbourhood.

Your murals often blend folklore with elements of nature and architecture. Can you walk us through how you incorporated the essence of Strathcona’s rich history and vibrant community into this piece at Assembly?

I call them “easter eggs” – I placed elements that are emblematic of the West Coast and Strathcona throughout the mural – these include iconic landmarks and historical sites from the Strathcona neighbourhood.  With the creatives moving into the commercial spaces at Assembly I was inspired to design this tribute to the creative individuals who bring vibrancy to Strathcona.

What was the collaborative process like working with Fabric and Hudson Projects, as well as the other local creatives involved in Assembly? How did this partnership shape your creative vision for the mural?

Working with Fabric and Hudson Projects on Assembly was a truly collaborative process. From the start, they offered me a blank slate and gave me the creative freedom to bring my vision to life.  That trust allowed me to draw deeply from my folkloric style and let the spirit of Vancouver—especially Strathcona—guide the narrative. 

You’ve worked on numerous public murals around the world. How does the mural at Assembly compare to your other works in terms of its cultural significance and connection to Vancouver’s West Coast identity?

Working on the mural at Assembly was a really meaningful experience for me, as it allowed me to channel the rich history of Strathcona into a visual narrative. This area of Vancouver has been a melting pot of diverse cultures and artistic contributions for decades, and capturing this essence was crucial. The mural pays homage to the countless artists who have shaped Strathcona’s culture. Their influence is reflected in the dynamic forms and soft of the beat to the art work, which echo the lively spirit and creativity that define the neighbourhood. In terms of connecting to Vancouver’s West Coast identity, the mural is a tribute to the natural beauty of our city. The beautiful views of mountains, ocean scenes, and the sunsets are all woven into the artwork. The presence of kayakers and bikers also serves as a nod to the active lifestyle that is so integral to life on the West Coast. This blend of natural elements and local culture creates a piece that feels both rooted in place and evocative of the broader, stunning landscape that surrounds Vancouver. When working on artwork that represents home for me, I always feel like it’s the root of the reason I started to do art in the first place. 

Your murals are known for revealing new details with each viewing. Can you share some of the symbolic elements or hidden details in this mural that you hope viewers will discover over time?

 My murals often unveil layers of meaning and detail upon closer inspection, and the mural at Assembly is no exception. I’ve embedded a lot of symbols that reflect Vancouver’s rich culture, and I hope viewers will find them intriguing. For instance, the mural features the Culture Crawl Crow, a nod to the vibrant arts community that thrives in Strathcona. The BC Flag can be found in both of the halls through the design, grounding the artwork in its regional identity. You might spot Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain and Seymour mountain representing the majestic landscapes that define the West Coast.  Also, try to spot a Blue Jay, a bird native to BC. I also included Ken Lum’s Cross and the Japanese Hall. The Harbourfront Centre and Science World appear as iconic landmarks, tying the mural to the city’s well known sites. Additionally, subtle references to Killer Whales and seals that  swim through the piece, which is just so common in Vancouver! The artist at work can be seen as you enter the main hall, symbolizes the ongoing creative spirit of the community. Each of these symbols and elements is intended to offer viewers a better understanding of Vancouver’s multifaceted identity and to invite them to discover something new with each viewing. And there are much much more easter eggs to discover!

Photos by Ryan Maxwell