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Spazito

(50,339 posts)
Mon Jun 19, 2023, 05:48 PM Jun 2023

Indigenous artist chosen to design Canada's Afghan war monument

The federal government has selected an Indigenous artist's design concept for a planned national monument to Canada's mission in Afghanistan.

Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay announced Monday that Adrian Stimson's design won out after many rounds of consultations with the public and stakeholders. He said veterans influenced the choice of final design.

snip

Stimson was sent to Afghanistan through the Canadian Forces Artist Program. He said he tried to capture what he and other Canadians were experiencing in Afghanistan through his art.

Stimson's design for the monument "draws on elements of healing from the Medicine Wheel and takes the form of a circular, sacred space of safety, a home base of reflection, memory and contemplation," says the press release.

"It is made up of four portals, where an interior area is the sanctuary where the fallen are remembered. Inscribed on the walls of three of the quadrants is the year, names of the fallen and maple leaves, in several rows. The fourth southeast quadrant wall facing the direction of Afghanistan is dedicated to fallen Afghan allies. In the centre, four bronze flak jackets stand draped on crosses — utilitarian yet poignant reminders of protection."

more

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/monument-afghanistan-indigenous-artist-1.6881356

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Indigenous artist chosen to design Canada's Afghan war monument (Original Post) Spazito Jun 2023 OP
I think the design is nice. CANADIANBEAVER69 Jun 2023 #1
I thought so as well... Spazito Jun 2023 #2

CANADIANBEAVER69

(339 posts)
1. I think the design is nice.
Mon Jun 19, 2023, 05:57 PM
Jun 2023

It has a good layout and concept. I like that he drew on elements of healing from the Medicine Wheel. It looks like a peaceful place for the public to reflect.

Spazito

(50,339 posts)
2. I thought so as well...
Mon Jun 19, 2023, 06:04 PM
Jun 2023

When I saw the photo before reading through the article I wondered what the circular design's meaning was and, after reading the full description, it makes perfect sense and is quite beautiful. Use of the Medicine Wheel is so apt in this circumstance.

I also loved that the forth wall is dedicated to the Afghan allies who lost their lives, acknowledging them as should be done.

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