Constellations – The Flow of Belonging is a generative art piece by EEPMON that visualizes Canada as a fluid constellation of families, symbolizing the dynamic movement of people and their contributions to the nation’s cultural regeneration. The work transforms transcribed census data from Library and Archives Canada (LAC) into a narrative that explores mobility, diversity, and resilience.

The visualization features flowing patterns and family units that grow brighter and more interconnected over time. Inspired by Norman Takeuchi’s 1970 Expo Bus, which connected diverse communities across Canada, Constellations reimagines this mobility for the digital age. Colours pulse through particle-like connections, representing the cultural and social links forged by communities. By showcasing these groups as constellations of renewal, the piece aligns with themes of multicultural identity and systemic regeneration, offering a perspective on the vast stories found within LAC’s archival collections. Constellations – The Flow of Belonging was exhibited at the Canada Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka.

Software
Processing (https://processing.org)

Above: Census data test output

Constellations – The Flow of Belonging & Chinese Exclusion

This extension of the project specifically references the Chinese Exclusion Act period (1923-1947). While maintaining the theme of communal interconnectedness, it introduces sharp red strokes to symbolize the dispersal and exclusion of Chinese immigrants during this era. These erratic visuals serve to evoke the volatility of systemic barriers in contrast to the core theme of unity.

Software
Processing (https://processing.org)

Constellations – The Flow of Belonging & Chinese Exclusion Video

Constellations – The Flow of Belonging 3min Video