Author Archives: Katrina Longpre

The Rise of Formula One

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In the last few years, F1 has experienced a rise in popularity from niche motorsport to a global phenomenon. There are various reasons for this, from the kind of audience the sport currently caters to to its nature.

Rising Accessibility of F1 through Social Media and TV

However, digital media is the most influential driver of interest in F1. With the recent introduction of streaming services like F1 TV and platforms partnered with sports like Netflix, races have never been more accessible. This Netflix series, “Drive to Survive,” covers most of the behind-the-scenes drama and personal stories of the drivers and further appeals to people who might not usually be interested in the sport. Because of this access, it has really helped connect fans with the sport, especially female fans.

Diverse and Charismatic Drivers

On the other hand, the team of racers in F1 today is not the last factor in its popularity. Sports people such as Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris have turned out to be excellent, but with regards to the stars of sports celebrated in the past, however, at the same time, they are some sort of cultural figures. Hamilton continuously uses his platform to promote diversity and social justice, issues that align closely with the soul of the new generation of fans. In addition, there are the personalities and stories behind these drivers. Even casual viewers can quickly become fans as they get anxious about any ups and downs these persons encounter on and off the track.

Thrilling Racing Action and Competitive Seasons

Competition, too, has played a role in drawing the popularity of Formula One over the years.  Especially during the 2021 season between Hamilton and Verstappen, it drew massive interest in the hearts of motorsport enthusiasts and the general public. And even now, the battle between Verstappen and Norris is in this year’s season. The thrill in the races, unexpected twists, and closely fought championships have kept audiences on tenterhooks as their own community waits on the next race in anticipation.

Expansion of Races into the World

The strategic expansion of F1 into new markets, including races in the Middle East, Asia, and the United States, has grown its fan base. Events like the Miami Grand Prix and the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix have tapped into new audiences, further cementing F1’s global presence. A commitment to sustainability and innovation, such as its goal to be carbon neutral by 2030, also resonates with the socially conscious audience.

Overall, F1’s popularity continues to grow, with each season being different. This year’s season has brought much attention to the diverse race winners. Competition is back in the sport, and all the fans, old or new, are excited to see how this season of 2024 will end.

Between Two Cultures: The Downfalls on Not Knowing

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How many languages can you speak? I can only speak one, and part of me will always be a little upset because I never learned my mom’s language. I mean, I would say it’s 50/50. I can’t blame myself fully for it, but I also have to take accountability for not putting in the effort to learn.

My mom speaks Tagalog, and she tried to teach my sister and me and didn’t forget to remind us that we didn’t want to learn, which is untrue. I wished she had been stricter about it growing up, but it was a challenge when we took our trips to the Philippines, especially in my older years. You feel isolated when you can’t understand what your family is trying to say to you.

However, it’s similar to when you go to another country, and you can’t speak, for example, Italian, but there is a sense of hurt pride when it’s your actual culture.
Especially when you are hit with comments about why you didn’t learn or did not care to learn to speak Tagalog, as if it was all my fault. My mom had tried; she did, but the people I was surrounded by mainly spoke English and occasionally Spanish. With all these different languages coming at me at once, English is common ground in all the chaos. My eagerness to learn my mom’s language grows as I get older. It’s now up to me to commit because I feel it brings me closer to that side of myself and my life.

I have felt a heavy disconnection from my Filipino side, especially now that I am entering my twenties. I want to explore and embrace that side of life. One thing I will give myself props more for is that I can only slightly pick up what my mom is telling me when she goes on her Tagalog rants, especially when I haven’t done my chores. That’s when the words become crystal clear.

All in all, if you could be fluent in any language, which one would it be? Mine would definitely be a mix of Spanish and Tagalog. I hope to pursue learning either language in the future, as it will bring me closer to my roots.

 

Between Two Cultures: Filipino Functions and Summer Softball

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You will always find a karaoke machine at a Filipino Function, and you will find a beer garden at a Slopitch game. My upbringing consisted of both, and I carry both aspects from each experience in my life now.

Now, what is a Filipino Function? A Filipino function could be anything; usually, you are celebrating someone’s birthday or hosting a barbecue for fun. You know the function will be a good time when you take a peak at the table and see it full of aluminum containers filled with food. You look to the other side of the room, and you see a boxing match on which all your uncles are howling at the TV and, to your left, your mom and Titas are singing Lea Salonga on the Karaoke machine. And remember when your lola and titas constantly bombard you with questions about why you don’t have a boyfriend or girlfriend yet? That is a true Filipino function, and by the end of it, you will be going home with two plates sandwiched together cause you’re taking home the leftovers for sure.

But this differs significantly from a summer evening at the ballpark this year. I took many of my friends to my dad’s senior league softball games, and it is safe to say they are not the same, yet oddly reflective of one another. Picture this: it’s a lovely summer evening. You arrive at the dusty ballpark, and you waft in the stench of cigarettes, weed, beer, and dust. Rock n Roll music blasts from the Beer Garden, and you sit on the bleachers. You’re cheering your dad’s team on and having fun conversations with your uncles, who are not your uncles, but they basically are. You feel all the highs and lows of the game, but whether the team came out with a win or not, it’s a fun experience.

It’s really the best of both worlds. I share a deep connection with both experiences, and I try to embrace how different they are. However, I am in need of a Filipino function; it has been a minute since I have been to one. In short, living between the two will only continuously create more memories for me, and if you can relate, it’s really a niche experience.

Between Two Cultures: Clashing Cuisines

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Growing up between two cultures has been a rollercoaster ride that I have yet to get off of. There are so many different categories I could get into, but alas, we’ll save that for another time. In this article, I’ll focus on the food aspects of being mixed, but before that, I’ll give you a bit of backstory.

I was born to a white dad and a Filipino mom. My mom didn’t grow up in Vancouver; she immigrated to Canada all by herself and built a life for herself before she met my dad. Fast-forward to when they had my sister and me, and between the two of us, we share quite a lot of memories of staple dishes we are used to seeing in our household.

The unpredictability is so fun, and being of two different cultures, you never know if your mom is going to cook up a sinigang with rice on the side or pork chops and mashed potatoes, but you know either one is going to taste incredible. When I would have conversations with my friends who are an entire ethnicity, their dining menus were always so different from one another, and that’s what makes me so giddy that culture creates such different stories and upbringings because no two people are the same. However, you can find similar stories with other mixed kids, and it’s so fun to see that they also had the same experiences as me.

Moreover, the recipes that are passed down to you are also incredibly varied. Personally, I have acquired the skill of making amazing lumpia ( a Filipino spring roll), but I can also cook up some great burgers on the grill. But those skills derive from my parents. There are some things my mom can teach me that my dad can’t, and vice versa. It’s such an incredible experience if you think about it.

Additionally, there are some ups and downs where the household cravings clash; I have noticed that white dads have mixed feelings about seafood. They either love it and are ok with it or are disgusted by it. My dad is on the disgusted side of things. He can’t stand seafood, but when my sister, mom, and I crave seafood, we always have to consider my dad’s preferences when we cook or go out to eat, but we always find common ground.

Overall, growing up mixed is an experience, and this only scratches the surface of the different aspects of being a mixed kid.

 

Garrett Chong’s Call to Change

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Garrett Chong’s exhibition, “Eroded Origins: Liminal Illusions Amidst Climatic Transformations,” is centrally concerned with environmental change and transformation and how these processes affect our perceptions of reality at Place des Arts. This is exhibition invites visitors into deep engagement with the themes of nature, transformation, and the balance between human activity and the environment.

The work of Chong has become an statement on the crisis at large regarding climate change-wild landscapes that continue to alter and decay both due to climate change and human ignorance. He reflects on the changing identities of those topographies and the memories held by them through his art. Chong presents environmental degradation, inviting reflection on people’s relationship with nature and the effects caused by that relationship.

The exhibition presents a diverse practice of art media, from painting and sculpture to multimedia installation. Chong’s innovative take merges traditional methods with contemporary modern practices in visually and intellectually challenging pieces. Each invites guest to look closely for the details that speak to the complex interplay between the natural world and human influence.

The theme that exudes in “Eroded Origins” connects with the concept of liminality-a state of transition, even literally, between states. Abstractness and uncertainty are embodied in his pieces, similar to today’s constantly changing world. From this vantage point, liminal spaces can be seen to showcase tension from the past into the present, asking for the consideration of the possibilities that could be in the future.

Chong’s work really opens up a discourse on today’s burning issues: climate change and environmental sustainability. Visitors will leave with a lot more reflection about their role in improving and mitigating environmental impacts. This therefore makes the exhibition a source of community and shared responsibility, so very relevant today.
An Immersive Experience

To visit “Eroded Origins” is to do much more than look at an art installation; the viewer is put into an immersive world that challenges them to confront very sad truths of the environment. The ease with which Chong brought aesthetics and critical commentary makes this exhibition a powerful exploration of contemporary issues.

Overall, “Eroded Origins: Liminal Illusions Amidst Climatic Transformations” by Garrett Chong had been an intellectually challenging exhibition that inspires people to reflect more profoundly on the relationships between human beings and nature. Take the opportunity to engage in this impactful work here at Place des Arts!

This Exhibit will run till October 23rd.

Avian Life and it’s True Beauty

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At the Place Des Arts in Coquitlam Molly Gray’s exhibition “Avifauna” is a opportunity of discovery that gets right into the roots of the complex relationships between birds and their environments. It invites the viewer into Gray’s visual translations of avian life, each one bound to be a must-see for both the art and nature lover.

Celebration of Nature and Wildlife
Molly Gray’s practice is significant in her love for nature, especially the wide and various species of birds that we carry in our planet. “Avifauna” also showcases her capturing the beauty and articulation of avian life through numerous artistic styles. The exhibition will showcase delicate detail in feathers, the beauty of flight, and the vibrancy of colour from different species, all by engaging the viewer with natures in a personal close-up way.

Thought-Provoking Themes
Besides aesthetic pleasure, “Avifauna” holds some strong messages about conservation and a battle that too much of its population has to go through because of climate change. Gray’s work represents, through images, how vulnerable ecosystems are today and how important their protection is; this aspect invites the visitors to reflect on their own actions and awareness of protecting the environment and the preservation of biodiversity.

Diverse Artistic Techniques
Gray works in a wide range of artistic media-from painting and drawing to mixed media-in her attempts to relate her passion for birds and their habitats. Each invites close look, as layers of detail show the  complexity within avian life. Not only does such variety attest to Gray’s versatility as an artist, but it also adds to the experience for the viewer, each artwork having its sense of exploration and meaning.

An Engaging and Interactive Experience
The visitors to “Avifauna” will surely have an engaging experience and be more ‘hands-on’ with the artworks. Gray’s inviting style invites viewers to consider the stories behind each piece, further connecting them to the nature and wildlife conservation themes.

Must-See Exhibition
In short, “Avifauna” by Molly Gray is an intellectually and aesthetically  has created a stunning exhibition of wonder toward the birds and the conservation of birds-a rare opportunity to embark on this artistic journey into the avian world at Place des Arts, where art and nature meet in a compelling and impactful way.

This Exhibition will run till November 7th be sure to check it out!

6 • 7 pm to 9 pm • 1120 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam

 

Pass the Mic!

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Pass the Mic at the Surrey Art Gallery is an energetic tribute to a wide range of voices and views on contemporary art. Anyone who loves the crossover between culture and identity meet social commentary should not miss this show.

“Pass the Mic” hosts an impressive list of artists exploring identity, community, and belonging. Holding up such artists from various cultural backgrounds showcasing just how key it is to give voices to those who have been more marginalized. This emphasis on diversity extends not only to the art that is put out but also informs its viewer in engaging in various narratives reflective of the nature of contemporary society.

Other outstanding highlights are the interactive features of “Pass the Mic.” It explicitly invites the public to be an active participant in the dialogue about the works included in it. This gives the audience a greater chance to breathe into the atmosphere and get better connected with the artists’ statements. This way, visitors can express their thoughts and reflections, creating a community that strengthens the overall effect of the exhibition.

The works touches on the difficulty of personal and group identity, inviting the visitors to reconsider their experiences. Migration, heritage, and social justice are highlighted in a way to be able to give voice to conversations considered critical to challenges faced by communities living amidst variety. Through this, the visitor will gain insight into a deeper understanding of the dynamics of our societies.

“Pass the Mic” is a true conversation starter that asks the viewer to reflect on art’s significance in social change. The exhibition engages an audience in critical thinking regarding narratives that have all too often been cloaked from the mainstream. With an emphasis on dialogue, the show is particularly timely for those interested in how art drives awareness and fosters understanding.

A visit at “Pass the Mic” is far more than an artistic outing. It is an opportunity to debate significant cultural issues and celebrate the richness of diverse voices in art. This exhibition challenges the traditional notion of representation, inviting the viewer into conversation.

Overall, “Pass the Mic” is an influential show at Surrey Art Gallery and a testament to art’s potential to inspire, engage, and challenge norms. Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of diversified voices and perspectives!

Ghost in the Fields by Jagdeep Raina

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Jagdeep Raina’s exhibition “Ghosts in the Fields” at the Surrey Art Gallery gives ideas of memory, identity, and cultural heritage intellectual, even philosophical weight. If there is any exhibition worth seeing about contemporary art engaging with primary social issues and personal narratives, this is it.

Exploring Themes

Raina’s practice concerns the relationship between landscape and memory, more so how personal and collective histories are deeply connected with places we go through or inhabit. In this light, he contemplates his experiences as a first-generation immigrant and how these life experiences mold his idea of home through a series of striking works. The title in itself, “Ghosts in the Fields,” speaks both to the persistence of the past and to problematics of identity, making it one of the most resonant themes for many viewers.
Innovative Art Techniques

The exhibition merges ancient and modern techniques, reflecting Raina’s originality in his art. It combines painting, drawing, and electronic media, which can lead to a multi-layered visual experience that invites viewers to connect with the work at different levels. Diversity enhances not only the visual appeal of the exhibition but also the deeper reflection of themes embedded in the work.

Cultural Context and the Relevance

Raina’s works on identity and heritage have a particular relevance to today’s multicultural society. His oeuvre raises conversations around questions of belonging and displacement of immigrant communities. It is through such themes that visitors will develop a deeper understanding of the nuances of cultural identity and the way in which our histories are shaping us.

Personal Reflections-Encouraging
“Ghosts in the Fields”  does more to ask the visitor to reflect on their own experiences of memory and identity. While Raina navigates through his past and present, visitors are called to reflect upon their own relationships with the place and the memories that define them. This experience at the exhibition is even more dramatic, as it resonates emotionally.

Ghosts in the Fields is less of an activity but more of an experience, with a wide range of opportunities to engage with profound themes touching on the human experience. Raina’s work serves as a bridge between individual and collective histories, inviting dialogue and reflection.

Overall, Jagdeep Raina’s “Ghosts in the Fields” exhibition engages with great thought, memory, identity, and cultural heritage through his works. Take advantage of this opportunity to enter into this intellectually enriching exploration on view at the Surrey Art Gallery.

This Exhibition runs till December 15th 2024, don’t forget to check it out!

Burnaby Art Gallery’s Exhibit of it’s Own

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A Studio Quivering in Readiness at the Burnaby Art Gallery invites the viewer to consider the deep and abiding connections between artists and their studios. For those interested in contemporary art and even the minute details of the artistic process, this is a thought-provoking exhibition not to be missed.

This is actually an exhibition focused on the idea of the studio being an essential element in an artist’s creative process. Such places that create artistic sentiments into both a haven and a workplace. The different art pieces represented here give insight into the various ways artists view their surroundings and how context has come into play along the creative journey.

“A Studio Quivering in Readiness” therefore uses a range of media. Each piece offers a different perspective on the studio theme and shows individuality within the practice of art. This range enriches the viewer’s experience by engendering an appreciation of the diverse ways in which artists can express their views and feelings.

The exhibition encourages people to reflect on their relations with art and creativity. Focusing on spaces where creativity is shown invites people to reflect on how their environments shape their artistic endeavors. The reflective aspect creates a deeper personal connection to the artwork, resonant.

In addition to artistic research, the exhibition is also a place of development for discourses related to creativity, identity, and the role of space in the creative process. It stimulates discussions that increase community awareness about contemporary art and its relationships with personal and cultural stories.

Visiting “A Studio Quivering in Readiness” is, more than anything, an engagement with the creative process itself. This exhibition problematizes notions of what constitutes art by foregrounding this studio as a site of inspiration and experimentation.

In short, “A Studio Quivering in Readiness” is an engaging exhibition that shares valuable information about the artists’ worlds and studios. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to explore this topic at Burnaby Art Gallery!

The Exhibit is running till November 24 2024 and should definitely be placed in your things to see list.

1:1 Artist Selects, a Exhibit You Must See

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The art show “1:1. Artists Choose,” with works by Gabrielle L’Hirondelle Hill at the Vancouver Art Gallery, offers a chance to delve into the connections between artistry and individuality in a setting.

An Original Strategy for Managing Collections
In the exhibition “Artists Select, “Gabrielle L’Hirondelle Hill is a curator who chooses pieces from artists that align with her style and beliefs. This collaborative approach showcases a range of expressions and viewpoints to engage visitors in a meaningful conversation between the featured artworks and Hills creations. It highlights that art thrives within a community dialogue rather than in creation.

They are uncovering the essence of Heritage

Hills art, as an Indigenous artist, frequently explores ideas surrounding identity and culture while addressing colonialism’s effects in her pieces. Her artworks embody these concepts and invite viewers to interact with pieces that defy established narratives and honour viewpoints. This artistic journey offers a comprehension of the nuances of identity, which makes the exhibition particularly significant in ongoing dialogues about representation and cultural legacy.

Different Types of Artistic Forms

The exposition encompasses many artistic forms, waves of paintings, and sculptures combined with multimedia, among many others. Such diversity improves the experience for the audience, motivating them to interact with different forms of representation. Every piece tells its own story, but all of them focus on common themes and are dedicated to them, pursuing a collective goal. Hill’s sequencing has been done such that even in telling their own stories, each work is interlinked.

Bridging Worlds and Sparking Conversation

“1:1: Artists Select” facilitates this discussion not only of artworks but also of how artists practice and relate to the world outside them. Hill’s selections, in this regard, raise issues of interaction, cross-creativity, and the essence of the audience in the creation of a piece. This part of the exhibition is interesting for the audience and makes them think about their own engagement with culture and art.

In summary, the exhibition ‘1:1: Artists Select’ with Gabrielle L’Hirondelle Hill’s work is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art that values collaboration and diversity. It offers a comprehensive, thought-provoking experience that engages multiple senses, making it a valuable addition to the Vancouver Art Gallery’s collection. This dynamic exhibition is not to be missed, nor are the important issues it addresses.

This exhibit is running till November 3rd you can find more information on the Vancouver Art Gallery’s website.