The Masked Murals In The East Village

Called “Bridge”, There’s People Behind The Masks

If there’s one things Calgarians love to talk and argue about, it’s public art. Bridge, by local artist Katie Green, will most certainly generate similar discussion, but hopefully not for the same reasons. One of the big concerns Calgarians have with public art is to whom the money is going to – Is it an artist from Calgary? or Someone from across the globe? Shouldn’t we be paying our local artists to make cool stuff for us? And of course there’s a lot of opinions on how the art itself looks, but, that’s what art is supposed to do.

This project began in April of 2019 and was unveil in August, and it was funded by the CMLC.

This is Katie ⬇️ – check out her IG @katiegreenart

 

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During this installation of #bridgeinyyc there have been many questions and comments resulting in an exciting stir of conversation. It has been extremely insightful to engage with the public and the feedback I’ve been receiving has left me so charged and inspired. I am so excited to share this project with this Calgary ❤️

A post shared by Katie Green (@katiegreenart) on Aug 7, 2019 at 6:08am PDT

The Story Behind “Bridge”

Bridge explores the notion of ‘self’, and reflects 13 participants from the East Village community including Calgary’s Drop-In and Rehabilitation Centre, Calgary Family Services, The Salvation Army, local residents, local seniors, the National Music Centre and the Central Library. This project aims to empower locals to share their stories (especially those who don’t feel seen in our community) and to experience the affirmation that comes from seeing themselves ‘larger than life’.”

 

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The first two workshops for my new installation in @eastvillageyyc this past weekend were incredible. I am blown away by the openness of each participant and their willingness to open to a new experience. Each individual came with their unique perspectives on what a mask means to them and I can’t wait to share their stories with you ❤️ • A big thank you to @chelseacall for co-facilitating these workshops with me and to @asim_overstands and @vinceraquel for documenting the process. Much more to come over the next two months.

A post shared by Katie Green (@katiegreenart) on May 23, 2019 at 11:03am PDT

In May, Katie hosted three workshops in which participants translated their personal stories by selecting from painted portraits created by Katie. The selected portraits were then developed into masks by the participants themselves, with Katie. To fully activate their masks, participants embodied them in front of the camera. Participants were invited to enliven their alter egos with breath, movement and speech. New portraits of the participants wearing the masks were shot in the East Village – reflecting the individual and how they wish to be seen.

East Village “Bridge” Art Photos

Location: East Village, downtown Calgary – you can take the c-train downtown to city hall and walk over, it’s close.

You can find the murals on the bridge support columns and on the public washrooms, along the river walk area in the East Village.

Conclusion

I think they’re awesome, very well done Katie! Everyone should go see them in person.