(Image provided by Tom Thomson Art Gallery)
The Tom Thomson Art Gallery is announcing the launch of the #hopeandhealingcanada project, featuring Métis artist Tracey-Mae Chambers.
A release notes this live, one-day outdoor art installation on Sept. 18, reflects upon the challenges of the current global and national climate, including the impacts left by the pandemic and the realities of past and present racial discrimination. This is further emphasized by the discovery of Indigenous children buried on the grounds of residential schools over the summer.
In her art-work, Chambers asks “Where do we go from here – individually and collectively. How do we heal and remain hopeful?”
For the project, Chambers aims to create site-specific art installations for both indoor and outdoor spaces at museums, galleries, and cities across the country.
“This is a poetic and powerful public art project and I look forward to seeing this one-day installation take place in our community – creating conversation, connecting us through our desire and hope for a better future,” says Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy.
The installations will be used with red yarn, which she will reuse at various locations to act as a way of creating a visual and tangible image of connectivity. Also aimed as an act of decolonization and offering hope to find healing and a way of deeper understanding.
“The red yarn represents danger and power, but also courage and love,” says Chambers.
Tom Thomson Chief Curator and Director Aidan Ware adds this project responds to crisis with elegance, humanity, and a prevailing optimism for a future in which we are all more deeply connected, compassioned, and kindred.
“The Tom Thomson Art Gallery is honoured to join the other spaces across Canada in hosting this intimate and resonant performative art installation,” says Ware.
Each of the installations with be temporary, ranging from only a day, to six months.
Residents are invited to watch and engage with Chambers as she works on the art installation west of the Tom Thomson Art Gallery and the Library buildings on 2nd Avenue West.
The project ends Sept. 18 at 3 p.m.