Author Archives: Katrina Longpre

The 500 Year Itch

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Shelley Niro’s show, “500 Year Itch,” at the Vancouver Art Gallery is both powerful and contemplative. It is a profoundly engaging look at identity, culture, and colonialism’s ongoing resonances.

Celebrating Indigenous Perspectives
Shelley Niro of the Six Nations of the Grand River creates work that illuminates Indigenous narratives and experiences. “500 Year Itch” speaks particularly to the residual influence of European colonization on Indigenous peoples. In weaving her personal history with larger cultural themes, Niro invites us to ponder the complexity of self and heritage; moreover, her perspective is crucial to the conversation happening in art today.

Engaging with Multi-Media Art
Niro works in various artistic spheres: photo, video, and installation. Such diversity makes the exhibition more interesting and tells the story much stronger. Each piece is treated as a well-thought-out message, inviting audiences into the stories she presents. One may expect an immersive experience that engages the senses and encourages a deeper understanding of the theme at play.

A Critical Reflection of History
The title “500 Year Itch” refers to the ongoing irritation and unresolved issues resulting from colonial histories. Indeed, Niro’s work represents a critical look into the struggles Indigenous peoples face today: recognition, rights, and representation. The exhibition approaches these subjects in a way that forces audiences to question their own notions of history and how colonialism exists today. The exhibition becomes a space where this world’s past and present realities become spoken. Niro’s art opens an area where one can talk about cultural resilience, identity, and the re-appropriation of discourses that generally remain silenced. Therefore, this aspect is needed as it helps stir up understanding and empathy.

Cultural Reclamation and Empowerment
Niro’s work is one of cultural reclamation and empowerment. She centres Indigenous voices and experiences, challenging dominant narratives that have marginalized them for centuries. Visitors will leave with a greater respect for the strength and resiliency of Indigenous cultures and an appreciation of the importance of honouring those narratives in today’s world.

A Distinctly Artistic Experience
“500 Year Itch” is a substantial exhibition addressing crucial social concerns in celebrating Indigenous identity and culture. Look for this to be the transformation evoked in an art experience that fosters reflection and dialogue at the Vancouver Art Gallery if that is what you are searching for. It provides a solid impetus to engage with the textured weaving of Indigenous art and history within a contemporary context.

A Monochrome Journey

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A Monochrome Journey at the Vancouver Art Gallery is an artistic journey of involvement with the power of colour-or, rather, the absence of colour. In this Exhibition on monochromatic art, the emotional and conceptual richness that can be afforded through one hue is accentuated. Following are some reasons why one should not miss the event.

Involvement in the Use of Simplicity
It does not get much simpler than monochromatic art. However, that belief will prove utterly wrong as it reveals layers of complex meaning and emotion. It will feature artworks that challenge viewers to reevaluate their perception of colour, form, and texture. The use of a single colour allows for contemplation, appreciating minute changes in light and shadow or variations in tone, which will create subtle differences in mood.

Diverse Artistic Voices – “A Monochrome Journey” under one roof brings together an incredible landscape of arts by style and by artist, representing how many different creators interpret what the concept of monochrome can be. Moving between contemporary and historical contexts, the Exhibition displays various artistic approaches that underpin personal and cultural narratives and have shaped human experience. The diversity of that experience will only add to what you see and create an atmosphere in which new perspectives and viewpoints will flourish in the viewer’s gaze when seen monochromatically.

Engage Your Senses
Monochrome art, in addition to hitting the eye, arrests feelings of serenity, contemplation, or even tension in its restricted limits of colour. This Exhibition will give you a chance to feel how one colour vibrates with different feelings and thoughts, therefore offering a deeper appreciation for the emotional power of art.

Inviting Reflection
Living in a world sometimes saturated with colour and multiple stimuli, “A Monochrome Journey” refreshingly offers cause for reflection. The Exhibition creates a tranquil environment, inviting one to slow down and reflect with a composed mind. This meditative value makes the experience not just about viewing art but rather engaging in one’s emotions and thoughts.

Cultural and Historical Context
The Exhibition places the work in a wider context, which is necessary for understanding the meaning of monochromatic art throughout history. By looking at how monochrome evolved through different movements, visitors can grasp how artists have used the approach to comment on everything from social issues and personal experiences to the nature of art itself.

A Unique Experience
A visit to “A Monochrome Journey” is not an outing to see some art but an opportunity to consider more significant themes that are visually engaging. For the avid lover of art and the casual visitor alike, this Exhibition promises an unusual encounter that conventionally works against colour notions and invites deeper reflection.

In a nutshell, “A Monochrome Journey” is a journey not to be missed for anyone who appreciates the transformational power of art. This amazing opportunity should not be missed; come visit the Vancouver Art Gallery and experience for yourselves the beauty and complexity of monochromatic expression.

Emily Carr’s “A Room of Her Own” Exhibit

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The Vancouver Art Gallery is widely known for its timeless exhibits, which are displayed from September 30th to January 5th. If you haven’t had the chance to check it out, here are some reasons why this exhibit should be on your to-do list.

Celebrating a Legend
Emily Carr is a major figure in Canadian history, known for her vibrant portraits of BC’s West Coast landscapes and Indigenous cultures. This exhibition explores her life and work, highlighting her unique perspective and the obstacles she faced as a woman in the art world, especially in the 20th century. You’ll gain more insights into her artistic evolution and the life experiences that helped shape her vision.

Exquisite Diverse Artistry

Emily Carr’s art transcends a simple category. From her early impressionist landscapes to her later, more abstract interpretations, her art displays a deep connection to and understanding of nature and spirituality. The exhibition has many of her pieces, which provides an extensive view of her stylistic evolution. Observing this evolution can inspire both artists and art lovers alike, offering a better appreciation of the creative process.

Her Journey                                                                                                                  “Room of Her Own” explores her art and provides an intimate look into her life. This exhibition amplifies her ups and downs, including her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated field. This feature resonates today, making her story even more relevant in conversations about gender equality in art. Visitors are welcome to reflect on the importance of having a space, both literally and metaphorically, to create and express themselves.

The Cultural Context
This exhibition solidifies Emily Carr’s significance in the context of Canadian history and Indigenous culture. It shines a spotlight on her connections with Indigenous communities and how they inspired her work. This perspective encourages visitors to think critically about the relationships between culture, identity, and representation.
It’s Interactive:

Seeing this exhibition can give you the opportunity to connect with others who share a similar appreciation for art and history. Conversations with like-minded visitors can lead to discussions about Carr’s impact and timelessness in her work.
Overall, “A Room of Her Own” is more than just a display of art but a tribute to a legend and visionary. One of her explored themes of identity, gender, and cultural heritage. Whether you are a major art person or just a history lover, everyone is welcome to explore this exhibit. Check out the Vancouver Art Gallery’s website for more information, and check it out!

Vernon Adams Jr Lead the Lions to Victory

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Our BC Lions faced the Montreal Alouettes this past Saturday at BC Place Stadium. It’s safe to Say it was not pretty outside, so Montreal’s welcome wasn’t warm but definitely rainy.
The Lions decided to make a quarterback change entering this week’s game to try to shake things up a bit. Vernon Adams Jr. took over, and the results were great to see.

In the first quarter, Adams threw a deep throw down to the 20-yard line for a great catch, quickly getting the Lions down the field. Adams made a touchdown, bringing life into the stadium. But it didn’t end there with a quick turnaround of possession once again, Adams threw a beauty down the field for a 52-yard catch by Berryhill for a touchdown, now making the score 14-0. Defensively, the Lions were looking better than ever. Seeing them shake off the blues from their previous game against the Roughriders.

The second quarter began with some great offensive plays from the Lions, but they were matched up with the tough defense of the Alouettes. Eventually, they got down the field, scoring a field goal and continuing their dominance against Montreal. Towards the end of the quarter, the Lions’ defense shone through, with Betts getting a sack against Montreal’s QB Cody Fajardo. But the Alouettes pushed through by getting the ball down the field, really utilizing the far side. With Alouettes finally getting to the goal line, BC’s defense went wild with a full-body slam down made by the Lions against Montreal’s Dominique Davis, and the fans cheered with pride and energy. BC gained back possession, and Adams showcased his talents again by throwing another great pass down the field to them away from their zone. But with seconds to go, Adams’s throw was intercepted, and a turnover was made, wrapping up the quarter.

In the third, some key moments, showed the Lions looking great offensively, with Adams again displaying his skills to get the team down the field. However, with a mishap catch, the Alouettes picked off the ball, taking back possession. However, the domination was regained, with the Lions scoring another touchdown by Hollins with an easy walk-in.

In the fourth and final quarter, our score was 24-0 Lions, a massive turnaround from last week’s game. Trying to get the Alouettes on the board, they settled for a field goal kick at the start of the quarter. The Lions again showed great dominance and responded with a field goal. The final score of 27-3 was a testament to the Lions’ overall performance in the game. With this big win, the BC Lions ended the regular season on a high note, currently sitting 3rd in the West. The game was a satisfying display of the team’s progress and a great way to end the season.

Lankinen Shines in a Redemption Win Against the Flyers

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Our Vancouver Canucks faced off against the Philadelphia Flyers once again on their second away game of the season this past Saturday. Safe to say it was a real redemption game. 

The first Period started with some good action between the two teams, the Canucks put their best foot forward, getting 5 shots on  goal in the first minutes of the game. With 3 minutes left in the period, the Flyers fans were chanting against the refs. However, unfazed by the crowd, Pettersson swings an assist and Höglander pops one into the net for the night’s first goal. 

The second Period kicked off with the Flyers looking a bit stronger and having a step up defensively and offensively; however, our new Goaltender, Kevin Lankinen, was pulling all the stops with some beautiful saves. Moving on, at the 12:52 mark of the Period, Pettersson takes control of the puck, bringing it down to the Flyers goalie. Racing down, he strikes a shot at the goal, but it hits the walls. At 11:52 of the Period, DeBrusk made his way down to the Flyer’s side, and Brock Boeser followed up. Lots of bodies entered in front of the net, but Boeser got his stick on the puck with an assist from Tyler Myers and hit it in the net with a backhand shot to make the game 2-0. This was big for Tyler Myers because this is his 1000th game played. The Canucks reign continued just a minute later, and a face-off in the Flyers zone right off the draw Kiefer Sherwood with a beautiful shot into the net with another goal for the Canucks. Towards the end of the Period, Lankinen displayed his talents by saving countless attempts put forward by the Flyers. 

Third Period began with a Power Play for the Canucks. But the game ended with some great action and play by both teams. However, the Canucks finally showed some dominance with no burnouts throughout all three periods, which was great to see. As the horn blew to conclude the game, a small celebration was made for Lankinen, with the players displaying much appreciation for the Goaltender. He was truly the star of the game.

The Canucks will face off against the Blackhawks on Tuesday at 5:15. Let’s hope for another win and continuous hard work and effort made by our Canucks.

A Cultural Shift in the One Direction Legacy

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On October 16th, Liam Payne’s passing paused the world. He was only 31 when he died.
If you’re a Liam or One Direction fan, you will definitely remember where you were when you heard the news. My older sister and I genuinely thought it was fake, and I was in genuine disbelief. The cultural impact this will have on a generation is insane. On the day it happened, I didn’t want to acknowledge it at all. It just did not feel real. Although some allegations were brought to light in recent news regarding Liam’s past relationship, fans never thought this was what it would come to. However, in the article, we are going to express how much of a shift this news has made in pop culture.
The Band and the Fans

One Direction debuted in 2010, the boys Niall, Liam, Louis, Harry, and Zayn had auditioned for the X-Factor. This was the spark that lit the wildfire. The boys were grouped, and One DirDirections was born. Although they didn’t win, they became one of the biggest boybands of 2010. The entire world knew One Direction, every girl had their crushes on each boy. Mine was actually Liam first, and then one day, I switched to Louis. They sold out stadiums and arenas worldwide, and fans would fight and scavenge to see these 4 little British boys and 1 little Irish lad. One Direction’s pop/rock music spoke to fans everywhere; if you were not a fan, you were considered weird or boring.

Many friend groups were formed because of this mutual love for these guys, and even as time went on, time changed, and the boys went solo. Fans continued to support and show love for each member in their endeavours. Liam’s passing created such significance because he was a part of many people’s childhood/adolescence, and there now is a missing piece of what was once a magical connection between the band and fans. Over the years, the fans have speculated and begged for a reunion, and the boys would always tease it, saying they wanted to do it, but no one was more eager than Liam was. Liam was not perfect, but focusing only on the One Direction side. It was nice to see the efforts in the media he made to reference the band. And Now the nightmare had come true.

That day will always have significance among a certain generation of fans, and there will be uncertainty about the future, but for now, one thing is for sure. Liam was a backbone for One Direction, influencing most of our most memorable songs and being a part of our musical upbringing.

Music is Culture: Movies

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Picture this: it’s a cold fall night. You’ve gotten yourself all ready to watch a horror movie because Halloween is right around the corner. The lights are off, no one is home, and on your TV, you’re watching the lead character walk along the dark, treacherous hallway with the intense noise of eery strings and the violent sounds of a piano key playing in the background. With every step the character takes, you feel a cold sensation of fear creep into your body. And then, suddenly, you hear the intense sounds of a piano as if each key was getting punched, and the killer pops up!

Music plays a crucial role in shaping movie culture, enhancing storytelling, and determining how the audience can connect with the film. From silent films, where live music was used to give life to the film, to today’s major hit movies with incredibly crafted scores, music has been a key factor in cinema.

One of the most potent ways music impacts movies is through its ability to create emotions. A well-crafted score can amplify the feelings of happiness, sorrow, and conflict. For example, the melodies from Indiana Jones, scored by John Williams, created a staple theme song that made the character a long-living legend. John Williams also curated the score for “Jaws” with its intense build-up music that captured the villainous nature of the sharks’ presence in the film. These musical cues guide the audience’s emotions, which makes watching movies a more elevated experience.

Furthermore, iconic songs from films have left an indelible mark on pop culture, evoking nostalgia and connecting us to the films they represent. Songs like ‘My Heart Will Go On’ by Celine Dion from ‘Titanic’ or ‘All the Stars’ from ‘Black Panther’ not only enhanced the films’ narratives but also found a place in our hearts, often bringing back memories of the films themselves. When a song is paired with a powerful scene, it transcends the film, creating a lasting memory that stays with the audience long after the credits roll.
Ultimately, music is a powerful tool that shapes movie culture, heightens emotions and sets the tone for the narrative. However, its most significant role is creating connections with the audience. Whether it’s through a haunting score, an iconic song, or a memorable collaboration, music enriches the cinematic experience and makes films more memorable and enjoyable. As long as movies are made, music will continue to play a pivotal role in the magic of storytelling, drawing audiences in and making them an integral part of the cinematic journey.

Music is Culture: Sports

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Music and sports culture share a deep connection, creating an ecstatic landscape that enhances both the athletic experience and the emotions surrounding it. From the awesome anthems that can fill an arena or stadium to the personal pre-game playlists athletes listen to, music plays a key role in shaping the atmosphere of sports.

Music acts as a significant crowd enhancer at major sporting events. The perfect song can ramp up the game, hyping up the players and fans. Classic anthems like “We Will Rock You” by Queen or Vancouver Canucks “Where the Streets Have No Name” by U2 and along with other iconic songs are used to bring life into the game. These tracks bring a sense of community and equal passion, turning spectators into a collective fan base supporting their team.

Furthermore, athletes use music as a major factor in their preparation and performance. Many players use personal playlists made to their liking. NBA players like Kevin Durant and LeBron James are known to have created some pretty great playlists to get them ready before a big game. Sometimes, a great playlist can really determine your mood and get you in the zone. It is truly a mental warm-up alongside the player’s physical warm-ups.
The relationship between sports and music can extend beyond the game, fashion influences, branding, and culture. Athletes are continuously seen as cultural icons, and their endorsements and collaborations with musicians can increase both their brands and the sport as well. Partnerships like Travis Scott and Nike have generated a lot of revenue, and fans all over the world want to get their hands on the collaboration’s products. Rihanna and Puma have also been major collaborations between artists and sports.

Additionally, music genres have also intertwined with specific sports cultures. For example, hip-hop and RnB music have a close relationship with basketball, influencing the athlete’s style and the culture surrounding the sport. Similarly, with Hockey, rock and roll music has represented the sport for a while now. During last year’s playoffs, the Vancouver Canucks used Creed’s “My Sacrifice” to promote Game 2 against the Edmonton Oilers

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In conclusion, the relationship between music and sports culture is incredible and versatile. Music brings emotion to a sporting event, motivating athletes and fans and creating a sense of community. As both industries continue to grow, their partnership will grow even further, driving innovation and creativity across the cultural spectrum. Whether it’s found in a room full of thousands of fans or the locker room playing your ear just before a big game, music will continue to be a crucial element of sports culture.

Music is Culture: Fashion

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Imagine a world without Music. How quiet and dull would this world be? Music brings colour and immense culture into our everyday lives. We see it every day in fashion, movies, and sports. Music is the backbone of many things. But today, we’ll delve into the fashion world, and Music ties it all together.

Fashion
You can truly express yourself through the clothes you wear and the Music you listen to. Now, I’m trying to stereotype looks and outside appearances because I see them as art. But also, the best part about it is that you could be completely wrong. Let’s say you have a girl who, on the outside, goes for a more gothic, emo, mysterious kind of style to find out she loves country music. Or that same girl’s favourite is My Chemical Romance, and that band’s style and aura could influence the way she dresses and presents herself. It also has tested time with the style influence throughout the decades. There have been shifts in trends and fashions, all tied in with the styles of Music playing at the time.

They are intertwined with one another, which creates a vibrant cultural tapestry that influences them. Artists use fashion as a visual extension of their Music, which can shape their identities and connect with their fans on a deeper level. An example of this is Tyler, the Creator, who uses fashion and Music to express his culture and identity. Through his brand Golf Wang a lot of his pieces through time has aligned with the Music put out. This is always exciting to see as a fan because you can appreciate the artistry beyond the Music.
Additionally, Fashion designers usually get inspiration from musical movements, reflecting emotions or messages that are derived from lyrics and melodies. This symbiotic relationship can lead to many collaborations between luxury brands and musicians, solidifying Music’s role in fashion.

Furthermore, music festivals are also used as a platform for fashion expression, where goers showcase their style influenced by their favorite artists. This further shows how Music not only shapes individual fashion but also influences trends within the industry. Ultimately, the mix between Music and fashion fosters a dynamic culture, embracing creativity and self-expression at the same time.

 

What Makes a True Sports Fan

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I was not athletic growing up; I was scared and fearful of many things. I started bawling my eyes the first time my feet hit the ice to skate for the first time. I danced for a tiny bit of my life; however, that was cut short because I couldn’t handle so many activities at once when I was a little girl, and honestly, fair enough. So I stuck with swimming lessons. That’s about as far as I went with sports growing up. My parents had a fear that because I had bad vision as a kid, they shouldn’t put me in sports, which, again, fair enough, I get it. Although there is a part of me that wished I played more sports growing up other than swimming and ultimate frisbee (don’t judge, it’s fun), what I lacked in skill, I gained a significant interest in watching sports.  

First, I was exposed to hockey and football, but I never was completely into them. What I was the most drawn to was WWE. The theatrics, the drama, the storylines were everything. Obviously, at the ages of 5-9, I thought it was real, I have to admit, but I know I’m not the only one who thought so too. When I moved into my teen years, that’s when hockey and football really grabbed my attention a lot more. 

It was easy to get into football because the high school that I attended was really big on football, so I figured I would learn the sport to better understand the culture and how the game is played. My dad was a huge help. He was so excited when I started watching with him, and it gave us something to do together, especially since my WWE phase had passed. 

For some reason, I was mainly drawn to the New Orleans Saints, and I loved watching them play throughout the week. But every family has one team you must root for, and mine, unfortunately, is the New York Giants. If you’re a Giants fan, you know how rough it is out here. Nevertheless, football was such a fun sport to get into, and it was a gateway for my interest in watching sports expand. 

Now if you live in Vancouver 9 times out of ten, one of the main conversations is about the Canucks or hockey in general. Hockey was a sport I had watched closely growing up just because I was most exposed to it. However, it has been a rough ride for fans and loyal viewers. But things were looking up this past season, and we were hoping for continuous success in this 2024/25 season. 

Overall, I think that whether you play sports or not doesn’t dictate whether you can be a fan. If you like watching the sport and it has been a big part of your life, there is enough pride and joy in that itself.