Plain Truth …
Toronto. When I was a kid, I spent a few weeks in the bush with my dad’s brother. My uncle mentioned his horse was skittish around loud noises so he returned to Ontario. “Like gunshots?”, I naively asked. My uncle just stared at me saying there were few guns out west to frighten his horse… Mis-led by Hollywood again!
Reproduced in issue 24-2, is an article by Kirstin Evenden, Art Curator, Glenbow Museum. The article discusses an exhibit of the time called “Plain Truth” which featured selected works by Western Canadian photographers and film makers to off-set the “myths” created by Hollywood to spice up Hollywood movies for better entertainment value.
Kirsten begins, “When these questions are uttered today [fall, 1998], certain ideals and images come to mind. Perhaps the idea of living on the Prairies evokes an image of a sea of golden prairie wheat.
“Or maybe the concept of western Canada brings to mind the strength and vastness of the Rocky Mountains. The visual images and accompanying “myths” are not new, for many of these ideas are rooted in the early history of the Canadian West.
“Plain Truth delves into the creation of these “myths” by surveying the work of photographers and filmmakers who represented the Canadian West in its early years. It analyzes how our perception (and misconception) of western Canada have been linked to the circulation of myths promoted through Hollywood movies, photography, and imagery related to prairie settlement and emigration since the mid-19th century.
“Several studio photographers in western Canada made films in and about “The West”, some working with Disney Studios and other Hollywood filmmakers to create an image of the West that still persists today.” …
Image collectors may or may not have a clearer view of our western provinces. Our 2025 events give ample opportunity to add to photographic collections – images, hardware, or history. Next up is our famous mid summer trunk sale on July 13th (rain or shine).
Oh, and to read the rest of the above “Western Report from Calgary”, just view the pdf file for issue 24-2 on the free members-only DVD (or thumb drive). See above or at right to join (it’s cheap but worth it). Email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca if you have a question.
