A new public art exhibition is exploring a different side of the Canadian 150+ story.
The South Asian Canadian Histories Association (SACHA) has curated a series of free, public art exhibits in Vancouver’s Punjabi Market on Main Street between 49th and 51st Avenues, as well as at the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University. “Trauma, Memory and the Story of Canada” runs from September 29 – December 15, and explores how the intersections of art, migration, and storytelling can facilitate coming to terms with difficult pasts.
“The show is part of a series of public art events that explore experiences of trauma as neglected and yet foundational parts of the story of Canada,” says curator Raghuvendra Rao. “The theme for Trauma, Memory and the Stories of Canada emerged out of a project on the theme of trauma based on my own experience of being in an earthquake and finding ways to ‘heal’ in the face of disability.”
The exhibition kicks off with a free public art walk on Saturday, September 30 at 12pm, beginning at All India Sweets and Restaurant located at 6560 Main Street in Vancouver.
The public art show features the work of Canadian artists Vikky Alexander, Sonny Assu, Jason Baerg, Sameer Farouq, and Hyung-Min Yoon; Indian artist Umesh Maddanahalli Shivanna; and rare archival photographs from private and public collections. Each artist engages with experiences of turbulent pasts that are a part - directly or indirectly - of the Canadian experience.
Select Events:
Art Exhibition Opening and Art Walk: 12 - 4pm on Saturday, September 30 at the Punjabi Market & All India Sweets and Restaurant, 6560 Main Street, Vancouver.
Join artists and members of the South Asian Canadian Histories Association for a public art display, performances, and art walk that explore the "Canada at 150+: Trauma, Memory and the Story of Canada" in Punjabi Market. Free event
Artists’ Roundtable: 3pm on Friday, September 29 at the UBC Asian Centre, 1871 West Mall. Join artists, curator Raghavendra Rao K.V., and members of the South Asian Canadian Histories Association to explore this artistic intervention in the story of Canada at 150+. Two works of art will be on display.
Visit sachacanada.ca for more information.
