The display was unveiled on June 21 and was made possible through a multi-partner effort that includes Portage College, local library staff, the University of Alberta and the Sapporo Otani University in Sapporo, Japan.
The exhibition contains 60 piece of art in various styles, reflecting events and emotions of the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic.
“This exhibition had us explore the idea of a ‘time stamp’ and a feeling of ‘relief’, with participating artists creating small and reflective artworks that speak to this era of COVID-19,” said Pierre Oberg, the instructor of the Fine Arts Certificate Program at Portage College. “The artworks will include some aspect of ‘art stamping techniques’ or ‘relief’ art making processes, further expanding the interpretation of these key words in the title.”
The display not only marks the significance on how the pandemic has impacted daily life, but also the sense of relief as the intensity of the pandemic runs down.
The inspiration for the exhibit came to Oberg when he heard a recent interview on the CBC radio show The Current. The interview was with Jill Lepore, a respected author, historian and a professor of American History at Harvard University. The interview was based on the history of pandemic situations, vaccines and public reaction. At one point, Lepore likened the current situation with vaccines to the polio vaccines of the 1950s and 60s. Öberg played the interview for his students to create some artistic inspiration.
“I thought, this is really exciting – let's take this idea to the students and see if they're interested in doing a themed timestamp relief art project based on how they're feeling going through the pandemic — and how they're going to feel when they hopefully get the vaccine,” he told Lakeland This Week.
Global appeal
To give the project a wider reach and get more ideas, Oberg reached out to some colleagues and contacts at the University of Alberta and the Sapporo Otani University to see if they were interested in participating.
“Because it is a global pandemic, it’s really cool that we can all work together on a regional provincial and international themed COVID show,” said Öberg.
Staff at the Stuart MacPherson Public Library played a big part in hosting the international event, as the students and instructors needed space for it to be held.
“It’s really because of the library support that the show is possible. They believed in the show and before we even had all the commitments – they said, “let's give you some space for that show,” said Oberg.
Solene Lamoureux is one of the local artists included in the exhibit. Her piece is a relief print featuring hands — one belonging to an older person and the other belonging to a younger person — finding each other. Titled “To Touch Again” the local Portage students says the inspiration came from the isolation some people have experienced during the pandemic restrictions.
“This art piece is about common relief and a time when we will be able to touch again. This image is of a young hand holding an elderly hand. During this COVID-19 era we're unable to express love or care through touch,” said Lamoureux, “Whether its shaking hands with our neighbours, hugging our loved ones or holding their hand, it will truly be a relief to be able to touch again.”
Time Stamps: The Art of Exhibition will be on display during regular library hours until August 27.
