Like the beauty of finding flowers in a ditch, East Van is unexpected, resilient and full of character. These flowers defy their surroundings, bringing a splash of colour and life to an often overlooked space. East Van thrives amid its industrial landscape, showcasing street art, diverse cultures and a sense of community. With its hidden gems and eclectic vibe, the neighbourhood reveals itself slowly, much like the joy of discovering those flowers—a reminder that beauty flourishes in unlikely places. “Ditch Flowers” is a love letter to East Van and its dingy, delightfully vibrant nature.

East Van’s “dingy, ditch-like” lifeblood is reflected in the area’s gritty character—weathered buildings, industrial remnants and the raw energy of working-class people. This sense of imperfection creates an authentic backdrop, where the marks of age tell stories past and present. Conversely, the “delightfully vibrant” side shines through in community pride, niche shops and diverse culinary offerings. The streets buzz with an everyday energy that fosters creativity and belonging. This blend of rough edges and vibrant culture creates a lively space where residents and visitors alike appreciate the beauty in the imperfect, making East Van a place where unexpected joy thrives amid its dinginess.

“Ditch Flowers” explores this dynamic juxtaposition through selected portraiture, chaotic abstracts and rough illustrations. These portraits reflect the diverse community, showcasing individual stories and identities that contribute to the glory that is East Van. Each face tells a narrative, inviting viewers to connect with the humanity that thrives in this urban setting.

In contrast, the abstract pieces channel the vibrancy and hustle of East Van’s streets from a macro level. These paintings, filled with arresting colours and shapes, mirror the neighbourhood’s pulsating life—bustling markets, lively gatherings and spontaneous moments that capture the essence of the city’s existence. Energy and creativity thrive amidst apparent disorder.

Rough illustrations add another layer, embodying the raw, unpolished beauty of the area. These works draw inspiration from everyday scenes—graffiti-tagged walls, hidden alleys and local hangouts—familiar and genuine.

Together, these pieces create a multifaceted portrait of East Van, celebrating its unique rhythm and relationship between its rough edges and vibrant community life. Through this exploration, “Ditch Flowers” invites viewers to engage the neighbourhood’s energy, finding beauty in the ordinary and extraordinary.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Madison Higginbotham, Mads, is a self-taught painter based in Vancouver, Canada. Growing up in a family that cherished the arts, Mads was encouraged to express her creativity through drawing and painting from an early age. While her initial career path led her to earn a BA in Corporate Communications and a Graphic Design Certificate, the desire to paint professionally became apparent. Returning to art, Mads discovered her passion lies in blending realistic portraiture with chaotic abstraction. Her work explores the beauty in everyday moments, capturing the complexity of the human experience through vibrant colours and dynamic forms.

Whether I’m capturing the essence of an individual or place, painting a singular portrait or creating a collection, my art is a fusion of realism, abstraction and spontaneity. It is a celebration of the multifaceted nature of identity, revealing that beauty lies at the intersection of precision and chaos. When painting portraits, I strive to capture not just the likeness of my subjects but their spirit—their stories, emotions and nuances that make them unique. This dedication to detail serves as a foundation for my exploration of the chaotic and the abstract. Here, I embrace unpredictability, allowing colours and forms to collide and dance across the canvas. This chaos represents the raw, unfiltered aspects of life—its uncertainties and complexities. The act of scribbling is liberating, reflecting the unstructured nature of ideas and feelings that accompany the creative process. Not everything needs to be polished; sometimes, the most profound expressions arise from the simplest forms. Through these works, I invite viewers to engage the tumultuous beauty of existence, encouraging them to find meaning in disarray. These elements create a rich tapestry of human experience.

SHOW DATES + HOURS

Opening Party – Friday, November 15 from 7pm-11pm

Public Gallery Hours – November 16 – December 15, from 9am-4pm daily

LOCATION

B1 Gallery @ Beaumont Studios

2109 Alberta Street *Side Entrance

The B1 Gallery at the Beaumont Studios is a colorful and one-of-a-kind hub for creative arts in the heart of Vancouver. Come for the art, stay for the vibe.

This event is all-ages and pet-friendly!

Madison Higginbotham @madsmads_mads

GALLERY COMMITTEE

David Camisa @davidcamisa

Jenn Brisson @jennbrissonart

Ciele Beau @cielebeau

Cameron Sigler @queerdiseno

Harvey Chan @harveychanart

Fiona Glen @fiona_____glen

Kiki West @kikiwestbest

Celeste Dietzen @b1gallery

Jude Kusnierz @thebeaumontstudios

B1 GALLERY + BEAUMONT STUDIOS

@b1gallery @thebeaumontstudios