Photo: Artist Emily Rose Michaud’s immersive art installation ‘This Place is Where I Am’ is on at L’Imagier Exhibition Center in Aylmer. It showcases a blend of natural materials and interactive elements to explore the rich history and ecological significance of the Ottawa River.

With notes from Mary Baskin, Marie-Eve Turpin and Lily Ryan

Running until January 28, 2024, the L’Imagier Exhibition Centre in Aylmer hosts a unique and immersive exhibition by Gatineau-based interdisciplinary artist and educator, Emily Rose Michaud. Titled “This Place is Where I Am”, the exhibition presents a multifaceted exploration of the Ottawa River, known by many names, including Kitchissippi and Kichi Siibii.

Emily Rose Michaud’s latest work is more than just an exhibition; it’s a monumental installation and a participatory experience that engages all the senses. Utilizing an array of materials like natural elements, glass, ceramics, projections, rocks, and clay, Michaud creates a living mosaic that addresses eco-anxiety and our connection to nature.

The Ottawa River, with its various names, reflects its multiple facets and the diverse relationships it fosters. Michaud’s curiosity and deep connection to the waterways of the Outaouais region shine through in her work. She employs a range of mediums including drawing, painting, ceramics, cyanotype, performance, and audio-visual recordings. Her art intersects art, ecology, and education, fostering a dialogue with the natural and social ecosystems of the region.

Michaud’s creative process involves mapping the course of rivers on various mediums, including paper, clay, and glass. She uses the cyanotype technique to produce bluish shapes on different papers, some handcrafted with local plants. In collaboration with ceramist Marie Drolet, she creates hexagonal tiles representing regional plants, a design inspired by the water molecule and the symbiosis in nature.

The exhibition also features a digital archive of videos and sounds collected throughout the seasons. Michaud interviews locals to capture their memories and perspectives on regional changes, creating soundscapes and videos that convey both a love for the place and a sense of loss for disappearing landscapes. Living tapestries made from pea and wheat seeds symbolize the cycle of life, from germination to decomposition.

“This Place is Where I Am” is not only an artistic expression but also a reflection on our relationship with the land and water. It addresses our ecological consciousness and collective responsibility towards maintaining a precious balance with nature. The exhibition at L’Imagier, located at 9 Rue Front, Aylmer, is a must-visit for anyone interested in the intersection of art, ecology, and community engagement.