The exhibit, consisting of 75 portraits, will run until at least early March 2014 at the Lieutenant-Governor’s Suite at the Ontario Legislature in Toronto.
The Globe and Mail points out that this showcase isn’t focused on Ontario’s celebrated past. While Ontario has produced the likes of ace fighter pilot Billy Bishop, telephone innovator Alexander Graham Bell and prolific writer Robertson Davies, Ontario has just as many citizens currently making a splash.
Some more contemporary photographs include: Phan Thị Kim Phúc, a Vietnamese-Canadian best known as the child depicted in the Pulitzer Prize–winning photograph taken during the Vietnam War on June 8, 1972, rappers Drake and K’Naan, humanitarians Craig and Marc Kielburger, CBC personalities Jian Ghomeshi and George Strombolopolous, actress Sandra Oh, comedian Russell Peters and, yes, Justin Bieber.
In addition to the portraits, the installation also includes a new documentary by Nick de Pencier called “At My Table,” which features a number of guests from Ontario’s creative community at the table of artist Charles Pachter. Guests include City TV founder Moses Znaimer, Toronto Star writers Martin Knelman and Christopher Hume, and writer Sylvia Fraser.
“We want to make sure all Ontarians understand that this institution is for them and about them,” Anthony Hylton, chief of staff and private secretary for the Lieutenant-Governor, told the Globe & Mail. “We want people to come into this suite and see themselves on the wall, whether you’re young or old, or whatever race, sexual orientation, or religion you may be.”
The public can book tours of the legislature and the exhibition by calling 416-325-7500.
Digital Journal attended the unveiling of the new exhibit. See below some accompanying photos.
Phan Thị Kim Phúc, a Vietnamese-Canadian best known as the child depicted in the Pulitzer Prize–winning photograph taken during the Vietnam War on June 8, 1972. The iconic photo taken in Trang Bang by AP photographer Nick Ut shows her at about nine years of age running naked on a road after being severely burned on her back by a South Vietnamese attack. — On the photograph: Phan Thị Kim Phúc at the opening ceremony. — © Janusz J. Überall
Hilary Weston, former Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, at the opening ceremony. — © Janusz J. Überall
Hon. David C. Onley, with Halla Rafati, Director of Public Relations, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, at the opening ceremony. — © Janusz J. Überall
Phan Thị Kim Phúc, a Vietnamese-Canadian best known as the child depicted in the Pulitzer Prize–winning photograph taken during the Vietnam War on June 8, 1972, with her family and Lady Ruth Ann Onley, at the opening ceremony. — © Janusz J. Überall
Molly Johnson, right, a Canadian jazz singer-songwriter with Halla Rafati, Director of Public Relations, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, at the opening ceremony. — © Janusz J. Überall
