Canada Pavilion’s, ‘Traces’ invites visitants to reflect the role of humanity in problems ranging from climate change to endangered species. Built by KANVA, a Montreal-based architectural firm, the installation incorporates eight human-sized ‘boxes’, displays particular theme:
- The Jewel,
- The Nearness,
- The Memorial,
- The Forgotten,
- The Seat,
- The Gathering,
- The Sanctuary,
- The Awareness.
The display shows a murmuration of exquisitely crafted birds, fossilised in mid-flight, within amber coloured blocks, lit from within. It also shows an empty bird cage, with the door open, signifying accelerated environmental tragedy. The installation reveals a vulnerability while encouraging awareness and urgency, through which visitors can consider collective and individual action.
In addition to highlighting the reality of environmental challenges, ‘Traces’ aims to invoke a sense of hope and empathy, commencing to positive action. The installation, according to its creators, raises questions, but leaves the overall interpretation open.
