03/02/2026
If you've visited CF Richmond Centre recently, you might have noticed BALANCE, a new public art installation in the shopping centre's plaza by artist Rebecca Bayer.
What you might not know, is that the wavy patterns formed by its vertical bands are not abstractions or symbolic, but an authentic representation of the Fraser River Delta's submerged contours, thanks to Bayer’s use of bathymetric data provided by SFU Environmental Science professor and River Dynamics Lab lead, Jeremy Venditti.
Venditti, who has known Bayer for over a decade, recalls the conversation the two had where she shared news of the project and how she wanted to mimic the river’s shape and depth.
“And I said, well that’s interesting because you know, that’s what I study,” he says. “I have all that information.”
Bayer’s body of work includes pieces across the Lower Mainland commissioned by municipalities, developers, health institutions and transit authorities. All are grounded in ecological awareness and the unique qualities of the site, drawing directly from local geology, water systems, flora and fauna, as well as the colours in the surrounding ecosystem.
The public can see BALANCE in-person now at CF Richmond Centre in the City of Richmond. On March 14th, Bayer and Venditti will also speak at an Artist Salon at the Richmond Art Gallery.
Read the full story here: https://ow.ly/3UAR50YmBPP
Simon Fraser University
