Honourable colleagues, I rise today to draw your attention to the Visual Voices exhibit, which showcases the work of the Senate through the artwork displayed in our building. It is an honour and a privilege to be a member of the Artwork and Heritage Advisory Working Group, which collectively provides guidance on managing and exhibiting works of art in the Senate of Canada.

I want to thank Tamara Dolan and Meghan Paterson for providing me with background information for this statement.

The newest “Visual Voices” display in the Senate, based on the work of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, brings attention to the study of soil health through the works of Canadian artists Britt Francis and Ken van Rees.

Vancouver-born Britt Francis’s artwork Infinite Blue depicts a woman standing in a vast Canadian landscape. It reminds the viewer of how much larger our landscape is than the individual, as well as our responsibility to care for the land and soil we live on. The landscape expands beyond the sightline and frame, providing a sense of grandeur and infinite possibilities.

The artist was known for his magical realist style of artwork. Magical realism depicts a hyperrealistic image but with a sense of a dreamed reality. Francis’s work creates an interesting contrast with Ken van Rees’s contemporary work Highway 2, which looks at soil at a very granular level, where our day-to-day actions build a future where these possibilities become our reality.

Ken van Rees, born in Ontario, is a retired soil scientist and professor from the University of Saskatchewan who, interestingly, was one of committee’s witnesses. After spending three decades teaching and conducting research, he now creates works of art using pigment from the soil. In fact, the soil rubbings which appear in this work are actual soil samples collected from Saskatchewan. He describes his art as an intersection of natural sciences and art, saying:

I hope my paintings present a different perspective of our landscapes, one where the natural sciences and art might intersect reflecting the colors, shapes and textures of our northern landscapes.

The artwork displayed at the Senate shares a history of our institutions. It explains the work of senators and represents the voices of Canadians. It provides a unique opportunity to connect with the work of senators and create a space for reflection while drawing attention to the important role artists play in our society to spark discussions on issues that matter to Canadians. It’s now being displayed in room B30. Enjoy. Thank you, meegwetch.