The title of the artwork references the thick layer of skin on our fingertips called the “friction ridge”, while also signifying the location of the building atop a literal ridge that overlooks the city and the Stó:lō [Fraser] River. Over the last couple of years, the City of New Westminster has seen significant change and turnover in the local government. A municipality’s city hall can be viewed as a place of friction, where town hall meetings convene, councillors assemble, and bills and bylaws come to pass. Friction Ridge is meant to bridge the gap between city officials and the public, forging a place for accountability, prospect, and possibility.

It’s an opportunity for locals to make their mark on the building that serves as the city’s headquarters, and is home to city council, the mayor’s office and various service departments.