๐จ Digital Art Exposes Canada's Historic Immigration Surveillance
๐จ Digital Art Exposes Canada's Historic Immigration Surveillance
๐จ When Data Becomes Art
A new generative motion graphics artwork uses historical data from Canada's Register of Chinese Immigrants (1886-1949) to expose discriminatory immigration policies.
The piece incorporates transcribed head tax data from University of British Columbia research, creating randomized visuals that cascade across screens. The flashing text evokes anxiety from bureaucratic oversight, while digital waves symbolize hope and opportunity.
Key elements include:
- Train track imagery honoring Chinese railway workers
- Never-repeating generative output reflecting silenced voices
- Data visualization of systemic surveillance
The artwork complements a related mural project that draws on the same archival research and community conversations. Both pieces address Canada's dark immigration history, including the Chinese Head Tax and 1923 Exclusion Act.
The generative nature ensures each viewing is unique, inviting reflection on individual resilience amid oppressive systems.
๐งต๐๐ค๐ค๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ฃ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ค๐ฌ๐จ: ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ก & ๐ฝ๐๐ฎ๐ค๐ฃ๐ (2025), a mural, is informed by archival research and conversations with the Chinese Canadian community, drawing on records of Chinese immigration to Canada (1886โ1949). cc @CanadaChina
๐งต ๐๐ค๐ฉ๐ฐ๐ฆ๐ด ๐ฐ๐ง ๐๐ช๐ญ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ & ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ท๐ฆ๐ช๐ญ๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ, a generative motion graphics artwork, draws on the Register of Chinese Immigrants to Canada (1886โ1949). cc @CanadaChina
๐จ Digital Artist Testifies Before Canadian Parliament on AI's Impact on Creative Industries
Digital generative artist **eepmon** testified before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage regarding AI's effects on creative industries. The artist appeared as an individual witness, sharing their personal journey in digital generative art. The testimony focused on how AI technology impacts creative professionals and the broader creative sector. **Key highlights:** - First-time parliamentary testimony experience - Discussed personal perspective as digital artist - Engaged with committee members' questions - Connected with other creative industry witnesses The committee hearing represents ongoing government efforts to understand AI's role in Canada's creative economy. eepmon expressed gratitude for the invitation and meaningful dialogue with parliamentary members. This follows the artist's previous participation in creative industry discussions, including the GEI: ART Symposium with the National Association of Japanese Canadians.
House of Commons Document Viewer Links to Parliamentary Meeting Notice
A House of Commons document viewer link has been shared, directing to meeting notice 11 from the CHPC (Canadian Heritage Committee) during the 45th Parliament's 1st session. The link appears to be part of ongoing parliamentary proceedings, following previous town hall broadcasts that were shared in October 2024. - **Meeting**: CHPC meeting 11 notice - **Parliament**: 45th Parliament, 1st Session - **Platform**: Official House of Commons document viewer This represents continued engagement with Canadian parliamentary processes and committee work.
๐ Canadian Cultural Icons Honored
**Library and Archives Canada Scholar Awards** recognize five outstanding Canadians for their contributions to culture and literary heritage. **2025 Recipients:** - Gabrielle Boulianne-Tremblay - Rupi Kaur - Tomson Highway - Margaret MacMillan - Danny Ramadan The awards are co-presented by LAC Foundation and Library and Archives Canada, with **Air Canada as founding sponsor**. The ceremony celebrates individuals who have made remarkable contributions to Canada's cultural landscape and historical knowledge. [Learn more about the awards](https://www.canada.ca/en/library-archives/corporate/about-us/scholar-awards.html)
Osaka Expo 2025 Opens with Canadian Participation
The Osaka Expo 2025 officially opened in Japan, marking a significant international event with Canadian representation. Canada's presence is led by Commissioner General Laurie Peters and the @CanadaExpo team, continuing the legacy of Canada's participation since Expo 70. Key highlights: - Focus on creative arts and cultural bridge-building - Collaboration between Canadian Embassy in Japan and Library and Archives Canada - Emphasis on preserving expo legacy for future generations The event builds on historical connections between ๐จ๐ฆ and ๐ฏ๐ต, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.