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Apr 26 2020

My Daily Art

WAYNE GLOWACKI / FREE PRESS The installation WE ARE SORRY by artist Cathy Busby on display at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. The two vinyl panels contain excerpts from the 2008 landmark apologies to Aboriginal peoples for the Indian Residential Schools and the “Stolen Generations” by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Kevin Rudd Prime Minister of Australia.

Every so often there is a singular artwork that seems tailor made in scale and timing for a gallery space.

This was the case for Halifax-based artist, Cathy Busby’s “We Are Sorry” (2010) and the entry hall at the WAG. Composed of two enormous (20’ x 45’) fabric panels, the work features the artist’s edited versions of the formal apologies made in 2008 by Canada’s prime minister Stephen Harper and Australia’s prime minister Kevin Rudd to Residential School survivors in Canada and Aboriginal ‘Stolen Generations’ in Australia.

The piece was installed in conjunction with Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission whose seven national events were intended to offer healing to those whose lives had been impacted by the Residential School system, and understanding to all Canadians.

Busby, who had produced different versions of the work in Halifax, Whitehorse, and Melbourne, Australia, had been approached by Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the TRC, and asked if she would consider creating a version for Winnipeg as part of their gathering. The installation transformed Eckhardt Hall into a powerful site of awareness, contemplation, and accountability.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / Winnipeg Free Press. The installation WE ARE SORRY by artist Cathy Busby on display at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. The two vinyl panels contain excerpts from the 2008 landmark apologies to Aboriginal peoples for the Indian Residential Schools and the “Stolen Generations” by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Kevin Rudd Prime Minister of Australia.

Cathy Busby. We Are Sorry, 2010. Collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Gift of the artist

WAYNE GLOWACKI / Winnipeg Free Press. Artist Cathy Busby (centre) gives a talk on her installation WE ARE SORRY in the Winnipeg Art Gallery Wednesday. The two vinyl panels contain excerpts from the 2008 landmark apologies to Aboriginal peoples for the Indian Residential Schools and the “Stolen Generations” by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Kevin Rudd Prime Minister of Australia.

Cathy Busby. We Are Sorry, 2010. Collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Gift of the artist

Cathy Busby. We Are Sorry, 2010. Collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Gift of the artist

WAYNE GLOWACKI / Winnipeg Free Press. Artist Cathy Busby (centre) gives a talk on her installation WE ARE SORRY in the Winnipeg Art Gallery Wednesday. The two vinyl panels contain excerpts from the 2008 landmark apologies to Aboriginal peoples for the Indian Residential Schools and the “Stolen Generations” by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Kevin Rudd Prime Minister of Australia.

While the WAG is temporarily closed, this series of posts from Director & CEO, Dr. Stephen Borys, shares an artwork from the collection every day until the Gallery reopens. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, or visit our stories section for this and more WAG@Home content.

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3 thoughts on "My Daily Art"

rosemary miguez says:
April 29, 2020 at 7:12 am

So powerful when the ‘words’ are as large as life is.

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Cindy Kelly says:
April 29, 2020 at 8:29 am

Please continue to provide “My Daily Art” – to keep people connected to the wonderful art displays.

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Winnipeg Art Gallery says:
April 29, 2020 at 8:43 am

We’re glad you’re enjoying the series, Cindy!

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