Emily Hayes’s ongoing exhibition at the University of Alberta, a tension, is about transgenerational trauma. She developed it over two years.
“The goal [of the exhibition] is to make viewers aware of the trauma they carry because the only way [they] can move [on] is to learn about them,” Hayes states.
Hailing from Newfoundland, Hayes mixes in the culture in which she was raised. One of her artwork pieces is a rug that represents the skill set that’s admired in Newfoundland.
Hayes says that people should expect “an open-ended experience that centres trauma within the home.”
Hayes notes that this is not to torment the viewers but to help them become “mentally strong and healthy.” The exhibition is for people to openly talk more about their trauma and its presence so that they don’t pass them on to others and continue the cycle of harm.
a tension takes place on the main floor of FAB Gallery at the University of Alberta and will be open until June 3. Further information about the exhibition can be found on its website.
