Wednesday, February 2, 2022

The Place Of Grief And Reflections

 Sacrifice is the title of a large painting by Charles Sims, done from 1917-19. It hangs high over Regeneration Hall, a place well suited for quiet reflection. This space is one of the key aspects of the entire Museum, designed by the architect Raymond Moriyama. This area rises like a great spike from the earth, and points directly towards Parliament Hill, which can be seen through the windows.


Moriyama was impacted by the war, as he was one of the Japanese-Canadians interned during the war. It influenced his design of the new home of the Museum, which was opened up in 2005 to replace its former home downtown.


The Hall contains a series of sculptures below, and an echoing soundtrack. When the building was under construction, Moriyama noted the sound of the wind coming through this space and had it recorded. It is a haunting sound that resonates through this space.


The sculptures are the half cast plaster sculptures created by Walter Allward for his Vimy Memorial. They are allegorical figures depicting grief and loss of the First World War, and were incorporated into the monumental memorial that stands at Vimy Ridge in France, where Canadian soldiers won an extraordinary victory in April 1917.


For today I leave off with a model of the Memorial itself.

30 comments:

  1. That is what´s left, grief.
    I like that some series take this subject so also young people get aware of what happened, as schools (here) fail big on it. Aren´t we lucky today....

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  2. How interesting to record the sound of wind and use it as an architectural feature...

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  3. The sculptures are beautiful. Take care, enjoy your day!

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  4. ...reflection is a valuable activity!

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  5. The sculptures are very impressive.

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  6. @Iris: it is educational.

    @Italiafinlandia: a good idea.

    @Eileen: thank you.

    @David: I think so.

    @Francisco: thanks.

    @Tom: definitely.

    @Gemel: they are.

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  7. I still find this a very nice part of the museum with those beautiful sculptures.

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  8. A place for contemplation is needed after reviewing so much conflict.

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  9. Lovely photography and place for grief and reflection (all part of life)

    Wishing you love in your days,

    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  10. The sculptures are beautiful and so are your photos of them.

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  11. @Jan: I agree.

    @Nancy: indeed.

    @Sharon: definitely.

    @Carol: that it is.

    @Bill: thank you.

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  12. I always appreciate it when you show us those sculptures. They are so powerful.

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  13. not sure why i was thinking about it ...maybe because i am ready for spring ...i am ready for your tulip festive pics ..i love that season so so much. hope it will arrive soon? hope all is well. busy lately ...as you always know i appreciate your visits and commenting. so kind. take care. ( ;

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  14. Those sculptures are very compelling.

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  15. Maravillas de escultura, en una buena exposición.

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  16. @RedPat: yes they are.

    @Beth: it'll be a long while off.

    @Michelle: very much so.

    @Marie: I agree.

    @Ventana: thanks.

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  17. I really like that painting, so much nicer than modern art.

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  18. I didn't realize the Canadians interned the Japanese Canadians during the war as we did here. I especially love those sculptures.

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  19. Love the painting and its placement. Cool sculptures too. Fine art.

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  20. I would love to hear the sound of the wind around those sculptures:)

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  21. I am sure there are many quiet tears shed in this lovely reflective space. The sound of the wind is a unique aspect - I can well imagine the mood it helps to create..

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