Artist Aiken Lao Brings Folk Art Charm to Vancouver Mayoral Campaign Poster
In a refreshing departure from typical political advertising, OneCity Vancouver mayoral candidate William Azaroff's campaign poster has emerged as a potential work of art. Designed by local artist Aiken Lao, the poster transforms Vancouver's cityscape into a charming folk-art masterpiece that captures the city's unique character while injecting whimsy into the municipal election landscape.
A Vancouver-Specific Artistic Vision
The poster features numerous iconic Vancouver landmarks rendered in a distinctive folk-art style reminiscent of celebrated artists like Nova Scotia's Maud Lewis or American folk artist Rev. Howard Finster. Prominent elements include the "Big W" from Woodward's, Ken Lum's East Van Cross, Science World, Granville Island Market with its painted silos, the Kitsilano Showboat, Britannia Community Centre, and even a sign for Dude Chilling Park. The North Shore mountains provide a majestic backdrop to this detailed urban panorama.
The illustration showcases diverse Vancouver architecture, from corner markets and Vancouver Special homes to three-storey walkup apartments and modern high-rise towers. Green spaces, trees, Canada geese, and cheerful residents engaged in activities like playing volleyball, walking with coffee, and cycling with yoga mats complete the vibrant scene.
Injecting Creativity into Political Campaigning
"The inspiration behind it is really just wrapping my love for Vancouver in an art style that was very approachable, very friendly," explained Lao, a 30-year-old freelance illustrator and graphic designer whose clients have included Nintendo Canada, EVO, and Fairmont Hotels and Resorts.
"A lot of political posters look very similar, but we wanted to inject a little bit of fun into it," she added, highlighting her intention to break from conventional campaign aesthetics.
Lao accomplished the challenging task of incorporating OneCity's official colors—purple, pink, and green—into the design. In her depiction, Azaroff wears a deep purple suit with mauve shirt and shoes, complemented by green bottoms. Azaroff confirmed he actually owns purple shoes, specifically mentioning a pair of bluish-purple Fluevogs.
Candidate's Enthusiastic Response
Azaroff, who had never met Lao in person until recently (she created the illustration from photographs), expressed great enthusiasm for the poster now appearing on poles throughout Vancouver.
"I love the entirety of the illustration, presenting a view of Vancouver, doing something whimsical, something creative, something a bit abstract," said the 56-year-old candidate, noting that the portrait presents a slightly younger version of himself.
The poster represents a significant departure from typical civic election campaign materials, which are rarely considered artistic achievements. By blending political messaging with genuine artistic expression, Lao has created a campaign piece that celebrates Vancouver's identity while offering voters a more engaging visual experience during the municipal election season.
