Quilted Canopies

"Quilted Canopies," an interactive installation by Shayla Bond and Anne Kobayashi, brings tranquility and a sense of shared community to Halifax's bustling Spring Garden area. This unique project introduces three circular play parachutes, varying in size—6’, 12’, and 20’—crafted from up-cycled boat sails and nylon fabric. Each parachute is designed to accommodate groups of varying sizes, allowing participants to engage in a collective act of lifting and gathering beneath the billowed canopies. This interaction creates serene, low-sensory havens that serve as microcosms of tranquility amidst urban chaos.

The design of each parachute is inspired by traditional quilts, blending aesthetic beauty with functional shelter. These parachutes, much like quilts, symbolize warmth, comfort, and community. They serve as canvases for shared experiences, where successful usage reflects the interdependence of individuals—highlighting how each person’s contribution helps to create a cohesive communal environment. The choice of materials, nylon and sailcloth, pays homage to Nova Scotia's maritime heritage, embedding a piece of local history and culture into the fabric of the installation.

Shayla Bond, with her background in quilting and textile arts, and Anne Kobayashi, an experienced multidisciplinary artist with a love for textiles and ceramics, merge their diverse skills to craft this immersive experience. Their collaboration is a testament to the power of combining different artistic perspectives to create a unified and impactful public artwork. Both artists are driven by the tactile richness of their chosen materials, and are drawn to unconventional exhibition settings, cleverly expressed through this installation.

"Quilted Canopies" is an invitation to experience the power of collective action and the enchanting beauty of shared spaces.