On November 6th, I had the pleasure of visiting the Prince George Art Gallery. During our tour, we were taken through two art exhibits, both pertaining to the idea of our interaction with our environment.
One of displays exhibited in the art gallery featured a few works by Alberta and New York artist, Jude Gabriel. The 3D models he built portrayed a surreal approach to climate crisis and the impact we as humans can have if we leave our actions unchecked. Jude’s artwork provoked deep thoughts and assumptions of the impact we could have on the future of our landscapes. While walking through this display, I couldn’t help but think about how this experience ties into several of the First People’s Principles of Learning.
For example, Jude’s take on how society is changing the landscapes is being told through a story called “Dismantled Worlds”, which represents Jude’s perspective of the human industry and how it interacts with our natural surroundings. His “story” is an experiential activity that requires his visitors to walk around and self-reflect on each piece of art while interpreting their own viewpoints of our impact on the environment. Another principle Jude touches on is āLearning involves recognizing the consequences of oneās actionsā. Through Judeās artistic approach to representing societies need for over consumption, one can tie this directly to the consequences that can occur as a result of this behaviour therefore showing us what our āDismantled Worldsā can look like down the road. I think Judeās display also gives the viewers autonomy to think of their own consumer behaviour and how this might impact not only their future but the future of their grandchildren down the road.
Towards the end of the tour, our class was given our own artistic activity that involved self-reflection and creativity through a play-doh modelling exercise. This was a great way to introduce us to the kinds of activities that may be given should we bring our future classrooms to the Prince George Art Gallery. Combining personal story, a hands on activity and time to self-reflect let all of us express our personalities in an individualistic and artistic way, something I think many kids will enjoy!
Jude Griebel, Through Ash, 2019
Photo Credit: Lia Chappell
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