1.3 Assignment

For this assignment, you will be choosing a photo to commemorate a pivotal moment in Canada's history. You will caption the photo then write an artist's statement.

Step 1

Read the article below, which is about the installation of a massive photo within the Woodward's building in Vancouver. The photo is a detailed staging of the Gastown Riot which took place in Vancouver in the summer of 1971. You will need to understand the purpose behind this public art work in order to go to the next step.

The Gastown Riot as Public Art

Step 2

Choose a photograph that you will find through an online search to commemorate one of the following events from this section.

  • The October Crisis
  • The Quebec Referendum of 1995
  • The Gustafsen Lake Standoff

Like the photo of the Gastown Riot, your photo will show a moment that Canadians should not forget. You will write a one sentence caption for the photo.

Step 3

Write a statement for your work. You must explain the specific moment depicted and why it is of such significance that Canadians should not forget it. You will also explain the context in which you will display your work which should include both historic significance of the site and the audience who you expect to see it where you have installed it.

Put your captioned photo with the artist statement into one document then upload it here.