New exhibition captures personal stories drawn from the frontlines of Afghanistan
February 8, 2007 |
New exhibition captures personal stories drawn from the frontlines of Afghanistan
Ottawa, Ontario, February 8, 2007 — Compelling photos, video footage and first-hand accounts of Canada’s participation in the war in Afghanistan are the focus of a new exhibition, Afghanistan: A Glimpse of War, premiering at the Canadian War Museum on February 9, 2007.From the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to the deployment of Canadian troops to the region, to their continuing operations, Afghanistan: A Glimpse of War moves beyond the headlines to show Canada’s response to global terrorism, its involvement in the rebuilding of a country shattered by years of conflict, as well as the human cost of one of Canada’s most dangerous and significant military actions since the Korean War.
“This powerful exhibition reminds visitors of the immediacy of history and its importance to their lives,” said Joe Geurts, Director and CEO of the Canadian War Museum. “It encourages visitors to see the war in Afghanistan through the experiences of Canadians who have lived it and allows them to respond creatively and critically to the subject by adding their voices, memories or thoughts to the exhibition in several interactive stations.”
Based principally on photographic and video records captured by Canadian journalists Stephen Thorne of The Canadian Press and Garth Pritchard, a freelance documentary filmmaker, during several of their visits to Afghanistan, this exhibition provides a glimpse of an unfinished history. Poignant artifacts are also featured, including the wreckage of a Canadian military vehicle destroyed by a roadside bomb, a piece of aircraft wreckage from the World Trade Centre terrorist bombing, and material from the first Afghan national election.
In telling both Canadian and Afghan stories, Afghanistan: A Glimpse of War emphasizes the human experience of war. It reminds visitors of the far-reaching effects of war on those on the battlefield and on those at home, and contextualizes for visitors Canada’s evolving role in Afghanistan. A range of public programs encourages informed discussion of the subject. Guest speakers, gallery animation and expert walk-and-talk tours demonstrate the impact and relevance of military affairs in the lives of all Canadians.
The Canadian War Museum is Canada’s national museum of military history. The CWM is one of the country’s most visited museums, attracting close to one million visitors since opening at its new location on LeBreton Flats in May 2005.
Afghanistan: A Glimpse of War will be on view until January 6, 2008.
An exhibition developed by the Canadian War Museum, featuring images by journalists Stephen Thorne and Garth Pritchard.
Information (media):
Christina Selin
Senior Communications Officer
Canadian War Museum
Telephone: 819 776-8607
E-mail: christina.selin@warmuseum.ca.
Pierre Leduc
Media Relations Officer
Canadian War Museum
Phone: 819 776-8608
E-mail: pierre.leduc@warmuseum.ca.
2007-02-08 00:00:00.000
972
6
1